01. Beginnings

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Yn

The annoying buzz of my alarm filled the room. I groaned, reaching out blindly to hit snooze for the fifth time.

Just as I was about to drift back into sweet slumber, my father's voice broke the silence.

"Yn, wake up! It's not like you to sleep in. I told you not to stay up so late. Come on, you'll be late!"

He chuckled softly.

"Appa, five more minutes... please," I mumbled.

---

Author

Haejin shook his head at his daughter. He knew she'd stayed up late studying - her semester exams were around the corner. Still, he admired her dedication. Just like him, she always gave her best.

That same drive was what kept Jung Enterprises thriving under his leadership.

Yn finally got up and dressed for university. She chose comfort with style - a navy blue crop sweater and light blue jeans.

When she came downstairs, she found her father already at the table, reading the newspaper.

"Good morning, Appa. Sorry for keeping you waiting."

"Good morning, sunshine. It's alright."

Martha, their loyal housemaid since Yn was three months old, brought out breakfast with a smile. She was more than a maid - she was family.

After eating, Haejin dropped Yn off at university and headed to the office.

---

Yn

"Yn!"

I turned to see Mia, my best friend, rushing toward me.

"Jack rejected another fangirl today!" she blurted, grinning.

I sighed. Of course, he did.

Jack, one of our seniors, was basically the university's golden boy - smart, charming, and ridiculously popular. He'd always been kind to me... maybe too kind. I knew he liked me, but I never returned those feelings.

Mia and I headed to class. With exams around the corner, we only had three revision lectures. Most students were deep into studying - even the party crowd had gone quiet this month.

---

Jungkook

The conference room was silent.

I stared coldly at Suho, Head of the Employee Department - and the man who had just jeopardized an important deal. He forgot to bring the presentation file we needed to close with the Kims.

He stood frozen, having already called someone to deliver the file from home.

Everyone in this building knew I was impatient. Ruthless.

Suho's eyes screamed regret. Another mistake, and he wouldn't just lose his job - he'd lose the right to walk into my building ever again.

Thankfully, the receptionist arrived with the file.

He exhaled in relief and began the presentation. It was decent. But not good enough to excuse the mistake. Not with me.

The deal was sealed with Kim Taehyung, one of my closest friends. We shook hands, agreeing to invest in three resorts and two casinos.

As soon as the Kims left, I turned back to Suho.

"You're removed from your position as Head of Department. You'll start again as an employee - maybe then you'll understand the value of time."

His face paled.

"Please, sir... I've waited six years for that title. I'll work overtime. I'll do whatever it takes-"

"You can either start over or leave this company forever. Choose."

He swallowed his pride.

"I'll stay, sir... I'll work as an employee."

Good. One mistake. One lesson.

---

Author

Jungkook arrived at his mansion later that evening.

"Good evening, Dad."

"Good evening, son. You have to attend the Parks' success party this Saturday. No excuses. They've been loyal allies - it's important."

Jungkook sighed, already knowing his father wouldn't entertain any arguments.

"Alright. I'll go."

---

Yn

I came home, freshened up, and checked the time - 8 PM. I waited for Appa and Oppa so we could eat together, as always.

Once we were seated for dinner, Appa spoke up.

"Yn, do you remember Mr. Park? We collaborated with him on the Ilsan project."

"Yes. I met him at one of the parties. It was a successful project."

"Great. I'd like you to accompany me to their success party this Saturday. Mingyu's leaving for LA, so he can't attend."

I smiled. I didn't mind business parties - they were elegant and peaceful.

"Sure, Dad. But first... hand over that black card of yours. I need to shop."

Appa chuckled and handed me the card, knowing full well I would've gotten it one way or another. Oppa just smiled, already used to me getting my way with a single pout.

I was excited. These business parties weren't like loud, wild club nights. They were classy - with soft jazz, polite conversations, and delicious food.

But something about this one...
Felt different.

°•°•°•°•°

That's it for chapter 1. If you enjoyed the start, don't forget to vote, comment, or just say hi - I love meeting the soft souls who sneak into mafia stories 💕

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