FACE-OFF | PJM

Chapter 54

The vehicle came to a halt, and he turned to face her, stating firmly, "You can get off here."

Concerned about the financial assistance she had requested, Ji Ah queried, "What about the money..."

Jimin reassured her, "I will have someone send it to you tomorrow."

"Thank you, Mr. Park," she responded with gratitude.

Jimin locked eyes with her and issued a stern warning, "Do not divulge any of this to Taemin."

Ji Ah nodded in understanding.

Y/N was aware of Jimin's visit to Ji Ah, and as soon as she noticed him return home, she untied her apron and stepped out of the kitchen. Approaching him, she inquired in a soft tone, "Did you find any leads after meeting with her?"

Jimin, in the process of changing into his slippers and placing his car keys on the shelf, went directly to the sofa and remained silent. He loosened his tie and leaned back, closing his eyes.

Sensing that something was amiss, Y/N moved closer to him and asked with concern, "What's wrong?"

Jimin embraced her, allowing her to lean on his shoulder, and replied, "Her story stirred up a lot of emotions in me."

Y/N rested her chin on his shoulder, gazing at him with a reassuring smile, and said, "Tell me about it."

"She mentioned that Grandma was ruthless and was willing to go to great lengths to protect Taemin," Jimin began, recounting his conversation with Ji Ah. Y/N, although not entirely clear about the situation, couldn't help but agree, especially when considering Yoona's circumstances, that Grandma had indeed done a lot to protect Taemin.

As Jimin continued, he reflected on how Taemin remained unaware of the extent of Grandma's sacrifices. "When you think about it, Grandma did so much for him. Taemin has been carrying that hatred for her all these years, and he was the one who ultimately ended her life."

Y/N held him tightly, seeking comfort in his embrace, and asked, "Who is Ji Ah?"

Jimin explained, "You probably don't know Taemin's father, my uncle Lee Tae Kyung. Ji Ah was his mistress."

Y/N's eyes widened in surprise, and she released herself from his embrace, looking at him intently. "Then, Ji Ah's daughter is...."

Jimin nodded, confirming, "She is Lee Tae Kyung's daughter. Taemin's step-sister."

Jimin recounted the story to Y/N, and her face displayed a mixture of surprise and disbelief. She hadn't anticipated hearing such revelations.

As Y/N tried to comfort him, offering to prepare some food, Jimin gently pulled her back when she attempted to rise. He wrapped his arms around her waist, pressing his face against her belly. "I miss you," he whispered.

Y/N patted his hand affectionately. "Speak softly. Joonie is right there."

"He won't understand," Jimin insisted.

Y/N chuckled softly. "Don't underestimate your own genes. Even though Joonie is young, he comprehends more than you think."

Jimin grinned. "Well, my genes are pretty remarkable, aren't they?"

Y/N gently pushed Jimin's hand away and said, "Alright, let me go. You stay here with Joonie. I'll head in and start cooking."

"Couldn't Auntie Wang do it?" Jimin asked.

"Auntie Wang had some family matters to attend to today, so I sent her home," Y/N explained.

Jimin glanced around the house. His father had recovered and had gone to Busan today, presumably to visit Ae Ra's grave. Meanwhile, Joon Min was diligently working on his homework. Jimin leaned in to take a look at what his son was doing. It turned out to be third-grade math problems, and Jimin couldn't help but be surprised.

"Joonie, these are third-grade math problems, and you haven't even started first grade yet. How are you doing this?" Jimin asked in amazement.

Joon Min gave him a quick glance and then handed over another sheet of paper he had completed earlier. Jimin carefully checked it and was surprised to find that there were no mistakes at all.

Joon Min, aware that his father was checking his work, looked up at him with a look that seemed to say, 'Don't underestimate me.'

Jimin gazed at his son with a proud smile. "Joonie, you're this smart because you've inherited my genes, you know? If you'd inherited your mother's brain, you might not even be able to solve kindergarten math, let alone third-grade problems, because your mother's mathematical skills are a bit lacking."

Joon Min furrowed his brow, clearly understanding his father's playful banter. Jimin raised an eyebrow and continued, "Don't believe me? Well, let's put it to the test."

"Y/N!" Jimin called out.

Y/N emerged from the kitchen, her expression curious. "What's going on?"

Jimin grinned mischievously. "Let's see if our son inherited my mathematical brilliance. I'll ask you a math question."

Y/N appeared a bit flustered. "I'm a bit busy cooking right now. Can it wait?"

"You can do it, go ahead and answer this question," Jimin encouraged.

Noticing Joon Min's curious gaze, Y/N decided to give it a try despite her initial hesitation. "Alright, what is it?"

Jimin posed the mathematical challenge: "27 plus 325 minus 34 equals...?"

Although Y/N was proficient in mathematics, she found herself momentarily lost in thought, struggling to come up with the answer. In her momentary lapse, she even raised her hands as if to count on her fingers.

Jimin, leaning back on the sofa, maintained an amused expression while Joon Min observed with keen interest.

"27, 325, 34...," Y/N muttered, her brows furrowed in concentration.

"Wait, let me find my phone..." Y/N began searching for her phone, presumably to use its calculator app.

Jimin responded with a touch of playful sarcasm, "Count it by yourself."

Realizing that her attempt was being closely monitored, Y/N's phone was taken by Jimin, who sported a mischievous smile. "Your phone is right here. Stand over there and calculate it. If you can't figure it out, then all four of us will go to bed hungry tonight."

Y/N couldn't help but roll her eyes. "Park Jimin, you're so childish!"

Jimin, unapologetic, simply shrugged. "Well, you can see it that way. Now hurry up; it's been over a minute. What's the answer?"

"Wait," Y/N exclaimed, raising her voice. "Stop distracting me."

She focused on the task at hand, diligently counting and performing the calculations in her head. After a moment of concentration, she confidently declared the answer, "386."

With her task complete, Y/N made her intentions clear. "I'm going back to cook again. Please don't disturb me."

Father and son exchanged glances. "Do you believe me now? She got the wrong answer to such an easy question."

Joon Min nodded in agreement.

Jimin continued with a playful tone, "Now, hurry up and thank Daddy. Thank me for passing on those great genes."

Joon Min responded with a bemused expression but remained silent.

In the kitchen, Y/N secretly acknowledged that her answer had been incorrect, but she chose not to dwell on it, focusing instead on preparing the meal.

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A/N: Is anyone missing the interactions between Jimin, Y/N, and Joonie?