The Present
Sora's POV
The professor's monotonous voice gradually faded in the background as I rested my chin under my hand on the school desk with my dreamy eyes trained on a person sitting a few tables across from me. I weakly smiled when Seokjin briefly turned to look at me from his desk, making my heart flutter upon receiving his attention. We held eye contact until... I noticed a middle finger blocking Seokjin's handsome face.
I blinked with a slight frown as Jungkook pretended to inspect his middle finger with his hand raised in midair. Jungkook turned to smirk at me, so I fired him a sharp glare for interrupting my moment. He's a jerk! I sighed and averted my gaze back to the board- only to sense an intense stare from my other side. I awkwardly turned to find Taehyung glaring at me from the corner of his eyes. And what's his problem? I shrugged and straightened my back. Taehyung averted his eyes away and crossed his arms in irritation.
"Class is dismissed," The professor nodded after collecting his materials and left the class before the alphas.
"YAWH~ I was so distracted by the annoying cupids!" Jungkook yawned aloud while swatting his hand with a smug expression as if to fight off an invisible insect. I glared at him in annoyance while packing my materials. He keeps mocking my relationship with Seokjin!
"Are you seriously dating Seokjin?!" Minah appeared out of nowhere with a wide grin. Thud! She slammed her hands on my table, startling me with her liveliness.
"How many times... should I confirm our relationship for you guys to believe us?" Seokjin dawdled, walking up to my desk with his bag swung over his shoulder. Minah gasped dramatically at his confirmation.
"Ow!" Jungkook shrieked when his girlfriend smacked him in excitement. Minah funnily giggled as she clutched onto Jungkook's arm.
"This is unbelievable! I thought I'd never get to witness Seokjin's dating life! Let me document this! The lower ranks will go crazy!- Smile~!" Minah frantically pulled out her phone to film us.
"Not again~!" Jungkook grumbled, rolling his eyes in annoyance.
"Jungkook!- Look at the camera! Let me confirm their relationship!" Minah whined while adjusting her phone camera lighting before us. I sat in my seat beside Jungkook as Seokjin stood behind me. The alpha placed his hand on my shoulders, so I looked up at him and lifted my hand to hold his fingers.
"Is this necessary~?" Seokjin muttered as Minah adjusted her camera angle to get the perfect shot of us.
"Of course! You're the power couple!- Jungkook! Stop making that stupid face and smile properly!" Minah shrieked once she noticed her boyfriend grimacing at her from behind. Jungkook pursed his lips in irritation before forcing his bunny smile at the camera on her demand. Seokjin suddenly crouched beside my chair with his arm over my shoulder, so I wrapped my arm around his neck to tug him closer. He slightly tilted his head to rest it against mine as we posed for the picture with the alphas.
"My post will blow up!" Minah giggled, finally lowering her phone after snapping a thousand selfies with us. Jungkook groaned and slumped back in his chair in exhaustion. Minah is an active social media influencer. In other words... She's known as a reliable information source by the lower ranks.
"Oh? Oh no~! He's in the picture too," Minah pouted, sorely side-eyeing Taehyung as he darted us a dull look. Taehyung grabbed his things from the study desk and stormed toward the doorway.
"Tae- Taehyung! Wait for me!" Haerim called from the back of the classroom, but he didn't stop and left the classroom as she struggled to get up from her seat. Taehyung is giving both Haerim and me an attitude.
"Why is he so upset? He always mistreated Sora," Minah dismissively huffed while inspecting the pictures on her phone.
"Of course, he's grumpy. His parents spent an entire night... lecturing him for courting Haerim," Jungkook shrugged.
"He's been moody. Just leave him be- and oh- Congrats," Jimin appeared with his hand in his skinny jeans pocket. I smiled at the Park's heir as Seokjin massaged my shoulders. I never expected to be involved with Seokjin, given his prudent nature... but here we are... officially exposing our relationship to the society. The alphas cheerfully chatted within the space... until I noticed Namjoon and Hoseok... exiting the classroom without greeting Seokjin, so I glanced up at Seokjin's somber expression as he watched his friend leave without him.
CRASH. THUD. THUD.
We all halted, snapping our heads toward the corridor in confusion. We heard a few people gasping, so we quickly got up from our seats... and poured out of the lecture room to find... Haerim sobbing in the corridor. I averted my eyes to find Taehyung stomping in the opposite direction. Did they fight? Again...?
We glanced at the broken object at Haerim's feet. Her bracelet. It has completely snapped into pieces. Did Taehyung break it? Why??? The alphas grew hushed as they watched the alpha sniffle pitifully with her head lowered. Nudge. Seokjin softly interlaced our fingers, snapping me out of the tense atmosphere, so I tilted my head upward to find him smiling at me as we stood in the crowd.
_______________________
The gossip about my pregnancy eventually subsided after a couple of weeks. This was all possible thanks to Minah. She kept posting about us on her social media, which the lower ranks love to monitor since she's friends with the top-rank alphas. People began to accept our relationship, and I didn't get as many strange looks from people anymore. Nevertheless, a minority of them are still skeptical of our relationship's authenticity and are betting on our breakup after the ceremony because they think we're only putting on a show to cleanse our image clean. But it didn't matter. I'm happy with Seokjin.
"Are you asleep?" Seokjin softly whispered while playing with my hair as I rested my head on his lap. We're chilling on his couch in his living room. His private villa became my second home after we started dating because I preferred his peaceful space over my own mansion. I lifted the book off my face, sleepily gazing up at the alpha as he sat on the couch with a file in his hand. He's not the type to go out partying due to his strict upbringing... so we spend most of our time studying together.
"Is it okay if I stay over?" I asked. Seokjin smiled as he caressed my cheek with his thumb.
"Do-hwan established a few terms with me. The first rule... Sora's curfew is 10:00 PM latest, or he'll assume I'm holding you hostage at my villa," Seokjin repeated Do-hwan's words in a low voice.
"I'll give him a call," I shook my head, sitting up beside Seokjin with my head tilted against his shoulder. The alpha chuckled and placed his arm over my shoulder.
"Rule number two. If Sora calls to threaten or beg me to stay over at your place... He will assume I'm forcing you to speak against your will," Seokjin continued. I stopped typing on my phone and looked up at him in disbelief.
"Did he really say that?" I scoffed at Do-hwan's contact. Why would the chief guard assume such nonsense?
"Rule number 3. Don't get the supreme alpha pregnant, or he'll dissect my balls without anesthesia," Seokjin nodded with a straight face. I snorted at the last phrase and smacked his chest in disbelief. Do-hwan is setting too many terms for our relationship!
"He does sound like my father," I chuckled in tears while shaking my head. Seokjin smiled and kissed my head as I texted Do-hwan to inform him of my whereabouts. He is strict, but if I ask politely... the man will soften and agree to my request.
Stupid Sora: I won't call you, so let me stay at Seokjin's place.
Big Man Do-hwan: You're smart.
Stupid Sora: Is that a yes?
Big Man Do-hwan: I can only handle one Sora, so don't try to produce clones of you. I will quit my job.
Seokjin chuckled at the man's response to my request as I messaged my chief guard. The buff man is quite funny! I finally lowered my phone and turned to smile at Seokjin until he scooted forward and gently stroked my lips with his- so I grabbed his face and drew him closer. The alpha tilted his head to fit his nose against mine as I traced my finger over his neatly trimmed hairline.
"I have a concern," Seokjin exhaled after we broke the kiss.
"A concern?" I raised my eyebrows as he held onto my hands.
"What is your exact relationship with Taehyung? I'm not trying to get nosy about your family affairs. It's just- I want to clarify my concern to avoid unwanted misunderstandings," Seokjin asked. It's complicated. I can't tell Seokjin the entire truth about our past without exposing my household's dark history.
"I grew up with Taehyung and Jungkook. They're like my family. We were the three anonymous households under Park Jihyun's reign. Taehyung... is like an older brother to me," I replied while examining his red nose tip. The man softly pecked my lips and pulled away again.
"Was he always like this? He used to be a bright kid when he was first revealed at the ceremony. You and Jungkook were still anonymous then," Seokjin asked curiously.
"He was never cold and violent. Taehyung was a sweet and caring child. He took great care of us, but as you know... the elderly alphas aren't the perfect parents. There were a lot of issues within our household in the past, especially when we were young. We developed a lot of traumas from the fights and even deadly attacks from an outside source. Taehyung was the most wounded by the incidents because he was the oldest. Jungkook and I... we were too young to even understand the situation," I explained. The story is much more twisted, but this is all I can tell Seokjin.
"You seem to intimidate him though," Seokjin nodded.
"He's probably treating me this way because he's still attached to Haerim, but the Kim wishes for Taehyung to marry me so we can merge our assets. That's why he's keeping me under control, and it's also probably why he's not happy with our relationship," I shrugged. Seokjin grew hushed with his tender gaze on my face as he gently stroked my knuckles.
"I'll have to do better than him," Seokjin finally smiled.
"What about you?" I asked.
"What about me?" Seokjin lifted his eyebrow.
"Were you ever involved with any woman? You should let me know too if there was a case," I blinked. How can anyone have no emotional attachment? That's absurd.
"No-"
"Are you sure? Don't lie to me! How can you not have feelings for anyone?! Are you a monk?!" I snapped, leaning forward suspiciously with my narrowed eyes on Kim Seokjin. The alpha tried to distract me with a kiss- but I placed my palm over his face and shoved him away.
"Araso! I'll tell you!" Seokjin chuckled, grabbing my hands when I refused to let him touch me.
"So you do have a lover!" I gasped, scooting back on the couch with my eyes wide open. And yet he told me he was never involved with anyone! Men are liars!
"I wouldn't say she was my lover. It was someone I met when I was a freshman. She's not an alpha but an average," Seokjin confessed. I felt my chest aching intensely.
"Why did you lie to me then?!" I snapped, glaring at him in irritation. I wouldn't have minded if he told me the truth earlier!
"I never even got to hug her! I wanted to confess my feelings- but the timing wasn't appropriate. We never saw each other again," Seokjin shrugged.
"Do you still think about her? She was your first love?" I questioned. Seokjin frowned at my flustered face.
"Are you upset?" Seokjin huffed.
"Are you avoiding my question?" I pressed dimming my eyes on his annoying smile. Seokjin chuckled while shaking his head and tried to grab my wrist, but I immediately jerked away to avoid him again.
"Why are you acting like this!? You wanted to know the truth, so I told you!" Seokjin snapped at my disengaging reaction. I firmly crossed my arms over my chest and narrowed my eyes at his unserious expression. Why is he smiling so brightly? He won't answer me and is avoiding my question so he must still think about that woman! Huff!
"I changed my mind. I'm going home," I announced, quickly scrambling off the couch to pack my belongings.
"Ohoh?!- Why are you acting like this!? You can't seriously be jealous of someone from my past-"
"I'm not jealous!" I denied it, hastily zipping my bag in annoyance.
"Sora!" Seokjin quickly grabbed my arm when I tried to storm away.
"Don't touch me!" I whined, pushing him away.
"No! I won't let you leave!" Seokjin refused, firmly back-hugging my frail body to hold me in place.
"I said let go- Ah! Hahaha?!- What are you?- Stop!" I tried to shove Seokjin away when he suddenly spun me around and shoved me hard onto the couch, making me shriek in distress as he climbed over my body with an evil grin. I quickly sat up in horror but the alpha was much swifter and tickled my waist to disable me, so I screamed in tears while fighting to push his hands away from my sensitive nerves. The alpha laughed at my fuming red face after successfully pinning my hands beside my head, earning a sharp glare from me.
"You're a possessive woman, aren't you...?" He smiled while hovering over on the couch as I lay beneath him.
"I won't be anyone's second choice!" I snapped, frowning at him as a hot lump formed in my throat. Seokjin's smile immediately faded at my words. He stared at me in silence. Finally... lowering his torso to rest his heavy body on mine. The man released my hands and gently cupped my cheeks while caressing his lips over mine to soothe my strained mind. I didn't respond to him and remained motionless on the couch.
"You're my only priority. Don't hurt your feelings with unnecessary assumptions," Seokjin whispered, sadly lifting his face to stare at me. I stayed quiet, so he kissed my forehead and tugged me into a sitting position. Seokjin lifted my body effortlessly to make me sit on his lap, so I sighed and hugged his neck with my face buried into his shoulder. Seokjin patted my back and gently rocked me on the couch.
"I will leave you the instant I become a second choice," I whispered. Seokjin suddenly tightened his grip around my body.
"Okay. Leave me if I ever mistreat you," Seokjin nodded. I exhaled deeply as I held onto him. Seokjin placed his hand on the back of my head and gently patted me as I sat against his warm chest with my eyes closed to savor his assurance.
______________________
The entire venue erupted with loud applause after I concluded the school council conference with the professors and the student alphas. Seokjin gave me a thumbs up from his desk to approve of my performance, so I smiled and bowed at the crowd before taking my seat. Whoo! It's my first time hosting the council as the president, so it was very nerve-wracking! I even got an uncomfortable stomach ache earlier due to the overwhelming anxiety!
Seokjin turned to speak with Namjoon as he prepared the documents for the president... but Namjoon ignored Seokjin and strode into the back room without sparing his attention to his friend. Seokjin pursed his lips at his friend's coldness before glancing at me anxiously. Namjoon and Hoseok have been avoiding Seokjin ever since we announced our relationship. I glanced away from my boyfriend when Taehyung placed a file on my table without any instruction and strode away in his formal suit.
"Is it okay if I see you after school? I need to speak with Namjoon," Seokjin sighed, spinning on his chair to face me as I arranged the folders at my desk.
"Sure," I smiled at him. Seokjin nodded and got on his feet to leave the room, so I turned to watch the alphas pour out of the venue.
"Sora! We'll see you at the lounge!" Minah waved from the doorway.
"Okay," I mouthed her. Jimin gave me thumb-ups as well before striding out with Minah and Jungkook. I watched the professors discuss as they exited the hall... until the venue was finally empty. I pressed the screen on my desk to shut the door and leaned back on my chair to process my thoughts. The position wasn't as difficult as I assumed. Sighing, I opened my eyes to stare at the stack of documents Taehyung left on my desk and straightened my back in curiosity.
"I'll skim through it before leaving," I nodded, flipping the pages over to check the objectives of the next meeting. He already scheduled everything? I rubbed my sore forehead and flipped to the last page to find a small note stuck to it.
I'll pick you up after school.
I stared at the single phrase. It's Taehyung's handwriting. I lifted the sticky note from the document and leaned back on my chair to inspect the sloppy scribble without blinking. Why? We haven't spoken since he found out about my relationship. I snapped out of my deep thoughts, then got up to leave the room with the document before tossing away the crumbled paper as I made my way down the empty corridor. I halted by a lecture room when I noticed Seokjin leaning against a desk with his arms crossed through the glass window.
"Oh? What is he doing-?" I muttered, excitedly walking up to the door- Halt. Namjoon and Hoseok were on the other side of the room. He's not alone...? I stood with my hand hovering over the door handle as Seokjin frowned at his friend.
They were staring at him with sour looks. They must be arguing. Seokjin suddenly lifted his face to find me staring at him through the transparent glass. I smiled and waved at him, causing Namjoon and Hoseok to turn to me. Seokjin said something to his friends and got up to approach me, so I keenly beamed at him as he stepped out of the room and carefully closed the door behind his back.
"You should have lunch with the others. I'm a bit... occupied with them," Seokjin informed.
"Oh? What about you? Aren't you eating?" I blinked. Seokjin softly tucked my loose hair strands behind my ear.
"I'll skip lunch today. I really can't let our problems go unresolved. We also have a household gathering at my parent's place tonight, so I'm trying to resolve the situation with them," Seokjin explained.
"I understand. I'll see you after school then?" I smiled. Seokjin nodded with an assuring smile. He gave me a gentle peck on my lips, so I patted his neat suit and turned to leave with my bag. I should leave him with his friends. I know Namjoon isn't fond of me... but I shouldn't meddle with Seokjin's friendships. It'll make me a selfish person to turn him against his friends.
A moment later.
"So... you never told us how it happened..." Minah curiously leaned over the table with her pretty eyes fixed on mine as I ate my lunch from the tray.
"What?" I asked her unsurely while chewing the rice.
"Your relationship with Seokjin! No one saw it coming!" Minah shrieked, reaching across the table to smack my hand.
"You guys never interacted at school, but you were suddenly pregnant with his child? You never brought him home either! I'm guessing it happened when you were at his place to work on the assignment!" Jungkook suggested, nudging Minah. My face flushed red upon hearing his theory.
"Come on~! Tell us! What did Seokjin do? I really can't imagine that man flirting with you~!" Minah giggled beside Jungkook.
"He didn't flirt with me-"
"Moh?! So you guys just hit it off?!" Jungkook gasped, spitting out his food. The other alphas turned to look at our table weirdly.
"Keep your voice down!" I snapped, smacking Jungkook's head. He grimaced and wiped the mess on the table with a few tissues.
"Wait a minute- Did you guys date after getting intimate?!" Minah gasped, keenly widening her eyes with her hands clasped over her mouth.
"Yeah. Seokjin said he didn't want to be caught up in another scandal, so he insisted on accepting our situation. He said he doesn't want to waste his energy on a fake relationship," I nodded. Minah pouted, suddenly smacking Jungkook, who frowned and fired his girlfriend an annoyed look as he chewed his food.
"Seokjin is so cool! He took responsibility for his actions! That's why he immediately got Sora a pregnancy test!" Minah funnily pouted.
"Yah. Why are you acting like I didn't treat you well?!" Jungkook glared at Minah.
"Guess what?!- My period didn't show up after we spent time together for the first time too! I told Jungkook about it, and he ghosted me for two weeks! He didn't even come to school! Tsk! What a coward!" Minah glared at Jungkook.
"I told you I was sick!" Jungkook whined.
"Was it that bad that you couldn't even send me a text?!" Minah bickered with Jungkook.
"It was that bad! I couldn't breathe and I had a high fever!" Jungkook argued. I smiled at their cute interaction.
"Jungkook gets sick easily when he's extremely guilty. Or... when he's frightened. Your pregnancy news must have startled him," I chuckled while shaking my head.
"Ah! That makes sense! You're such a jerk!" Minah clapped her hands sarcastically before firing Jungkook a mocking glare.
"Was he good?" Jungkook asked, suddenly shifting his eager gaze to me.
"Good...?" I raised my eyebrows.
"Was he- good... in bed?... Big...? What's his size? Was he big...?" Jungkook awkwardly asked. Minah's face flushed red.
"Jungkook!" Minah gasped, smacking him in disbelief. I smiled at him as Jungkook groaned and rubbed his bicep. I shook my head while chewing. Why would he ask?
"Taehyung!" Haerim snapped. We quickly turned our heads to find Haerim... grabbing Taehyung's arm.
"I have work-"
"You promised to take me out today!" Haerim snapped. Taehyung clenched his jaw and glanced at the nosy alphas with a dark stare.
"I'll see you at the ceremony," The alpha replied, coldly pushing her hand off his arm and strode away, leaving his lover dumbfounded in the crowded canteen. Haerim scoffed at his rude attitude while clenching her hands before snapping her head to glare at me.
"Yah?!- Watch where you're directing your rotten eyes at!" Minah warned Haerim when she wouldn't shift her gaze away from me. Haerim clenched her jaw in extreme resentment and stomped out of the room without confronting me. They've been fighting a lot lately. I can't be bothered by their dramas.
"I don't understand him. Why won't he push her away if he's done with her?" Jungkook muttered while poking his food.
"She's too clingy," Minah snarled at the opened door.
Jungkook and Minah eventually left the university early because they had an appointment with a stylist to adjust Minah's dress for the ceremony. I stood calmly in the lobby to wait for Seokjin as I watched the lower ranks and alphas leave the campus. What's taking him so long...? Namjoon and Hoseok are treating Seokjin coldly because they're against our relationship.
"Seokjin asked me to refer a message. Head home without him," Mira suddenly passed with her arms crossed. She didn't look at me and walked away.
Huh? I turned to search the corridor for Seokjin again. They must be in a serious fight. Sighing, I strode forward and entered the empty parking lot to search for my driver... but there was no other car besides a sleek black Lamborghini. Taehyung suddenly exited his seat to round the vehicle and slid the car door open. He blankly stared at me without speaking, calmly waiting for me to approach him. Oh. I almost forgot. His note. I turned to inspect the empty parking space unsurely before averting my eyes back to find him. I do not have an excuse to avoid him.
"I told the driver I'll escort you home," Taehyung exhaled. I stared at him without blinking as I stood my ground and finally strolled toward him with a straight face.
"What is this about?" I asked while eyeing the red handprint on his left cheek. Did Haerim slap him...?
"We can't speak here," Taehyung said shortly. I glanced at the empty passenger seat and back to him with a restless feeling. I do not wish to associate with him anymore but what is it that he has to say? Sighing deeply, I stepped forward, slipped into the passenger seat, and buckled my seatbelt.
Taehyung slid the car door shut and got into the driver's seat on the other side of the car. I didn't speak to him as he drove out of the campus with his sleeves rolled up to his elbows. I lowered my face to send a text message. I have to inform Do-hwan of my whereabouts... just in case Taehyung tries to murder me. I eventually glanced at the street after informing Do-hwan of the situation. Taehyung side-eyed me while steering the wheel... but didn't say anything so we remained hushed on our way out of the congested city. Where is he taking me?
A moment later.
"Why can't we speak at home?" I bitterly stared at the city lights from the parking location on a steep hill. Taehyung killed the engine after letting down the windows so the breezy wind could flush our stuffy lungs. I stared emptily at the setting sun as he unbuckled his seatbelt and leaned back on his seat.
"Because I wish to address our shared past," Taehyung answered with his dull gaze on the distant view. I briefly turned to frown at him. What is there to speak about?
"I'm seriously tired of this-"
"Haerim knows," Taehyung spoke in a soft tone. I pursed my lips with my eyes fixed on his dashing side profile. Haerim?
"What?" I asked, blinking at him with a restless frown.
"After you left Korea... I isolated myself from everyone... until I met Haerim. I never intended to tell her anything about our past, but it just slipped. I thought... I could trust her," Taehyung muttered, finally turning his head to meet my eyes.
"What did you tell her?" I asked. I felt dread looming over me.
"I told her I killed- my uncle to serve your mother. I told her- I lost control of myself and slaughtered the innocent man's life to survive. She's aware of our household affairs... before we were exposed to society. She knows our parents... seized Park Jihyun's power after he passed," Taehyung confessed quietly. Suddenly, I didn't know how to respond to him, so I stiffly glanced at the purple sky with nothing... but an uncomfortable hollow void in my chest.
"That's why she left your side," I whispered in realization.
"All those acts... everything you reckoned... all the false rumors she spread... and my neglect of the entire situation... it's because I'm afraid she will expose the truth to the society," Taehyung admitted, lowering his head in exhaustion.
"She's threatening you?" I asked, glancing at the alpha with a dark frown.
"Haerim is blackmailing me. I tried to gaslight her- but- I'm afraid she'll disclose not just my crime... but our entire household's involvement with the late supreme alpha's death to the society," Taehyung nodded, fearfully glancing at me with a troubled look.
"And you used me as your protective shield to serve her? So she wouldn't tell everyone about the murder? I'm the sheep in your game?" I scoffed, tensing my body uneasily. Taehyung shakily exhaled and lowered his face again before nodding to admit his fault. The man fired me an apologetic look after a moment of silence between us as I remained frozen in the car seat, utterly shaken by his confession.
"I'm sorry. I should've told you sooner. I thought... I could handle Haerim. But she kept spreading rumors and clinging to me... and I couldn't do anything but play along with her. The bracelet... I got it for you first... but Haerim got one for herself and claimed I got it for her because she knew I'd gift it to you," Taehyung shook his head. I took a deep breath, weakly leaning against the seat to process my overflowing thoughts.
"What am I supposed to do when this is a problem you got yourself into?" I muttered with my eyes closed. I could sense Taehyung staring at me from his seat, but I refused to look at him. Is he at a dead end?
"I know it's not an excuse to neglect you and I know I was wrong but- I'm asking you to believe me," Taehyung spoke softly. Sora. His voice... I don't know what he wants from me... but I don't want to soften for him.
"Fine. I believe you," I nodded, sitting up in defeat after contemplating my thoughts.
"If the reason you got with Seokjin is to get your revenge on me-"
"Seokjin is not a revenge game against you. I like him," I turned to frown at Taehyung. He observed my face with an unconvinced look.
"He is our rival. Sora-"
"What did Kim Seokjin... ever do wrong to make you believe he's evil? Nothing. His household is simply a powerful competitor in the game, and the elders are afraid of his existence. So they made him the villain because my mother is insecure. She fears the Kims," I shook my head sternly.
"What if he's using you? How are you so sure-"
"I will take responsibility if it's ever his sole intention to use me. If Kim Seokjin... turns out to be the villain... like you claimed... then I will face the consequences with the knife in my back after he backstabs me," I sternly glared at him. Did he expect me to fall for the elder's ill-intended propaganda?
"The elders don't care about our feelings. They want a royal marriage between us to solidify their power. What will you do then? Love another man only to leave him behind? Why are you doing this to yourself?" Taehyung questioned while frowning at me. I scoffed a his words and turned to stare at the dark sky after the sun fully disappeared behind the distant mountains.
"Eomma wants me to marry a powerful man. And the most powerful household after the Jang... is Seokjin's and you. You both hold equivalent power and authority in society. Why is that I have to choose you? When Seokjin provide just as much security?" I darkly refuted.
"If you do that... you will provoke my parents. And once... you betray us... your family will go to war with mine. The Jeons will side with my household and not yours, Sora. Are you going to break our alliance just to be with Kim Seokjin? Can't you see his intention? He's breaking us apart to weaken us. I am warning you of the consequences now... because once Seokjin backstabs you... you won't be the only victim. We'll all crumble. This isn't child's play. Sora... it's the game of survival- and believe me when I say... power will always overpower love," Taehyung sighed. I pursed my lips with my eyes fixed intensely on him. I can't let him manipulate me.
"So that's the difference between you and Seokjin. You claim love is a weakness, but Seokjin claims... love is a strength. Love is power," I sighed.
"Exactly. You are the power... he's seeking, Sora. The only way to achieve power is through love. Love is a weakness to me... not because I don't claim to love. I'd fucking die for you and I'd do anything for your utmost comfort because that's how I express love. You are my weakness, Sora. The love I have for you can kill me, but the love Seokjin has for you will only make him stronger," Taehyung exhaled.
"How can you claim to love me so easily-"
"Because I do. I love you. More than anything and anyone. I'm struggling to express my feelings for you because of the situation I'm in right now, and I'm not claiming to be a saint either. But I can assure you... the love I have for you... will never kill you. It will only kill me and that's a promise," Taehyung shook his head. I blinked at his strained expression and glanced at the night view with a heavy heart. He's messing with me again!
"Fine. I'll believe you and if peace is what you're seeking... then I will accept it," I nodded.
"Breakup with him," Taehyung said shortly. I stared at him as if he'd lost his mind.
"It is not your right to dictate my life-"
"I will... get rid of Haerim if you let go of Seokjin," Taehyung insisted. I stared at him unsurely.
"She'll never shut her mouth unless she's dead," I huffed.
"If I can kill once... I can do it again," Taehyung muttered with a dark glower. I pulled my lips into a thin line once I felt the viscous darkness infecting his soul.
"I will never involve myself with your crime-"
"Of course not. I will never allow a drop of blood to stain you, Sora," Taehyung pressed, causing me to gulp uneasily at his deadly stare. I exhaled in defeat once the alpha refused to surrender and glanced at the city view with a tense frown. He's not serious about this... is he?
_______________________
Next Morning
"Wake up!" Someone snapped, hastily yanking me by my arm to make me sit up on my bed before I could even open my eyes. I groaned in confusion after snapping out of my wildest dream as the person frantically yapped beside me. I lowered my face to shake off the drowsy sensation from my dazed mind as Jungkook shrieked nonsense in my ears.
"What?" I mumbled, sleepily squinting my eyes at his pale face. What is he saying...? My brain is not braining.
"The elders-! Taehyung is in trouble!" Jungkook snapped at me with his eyes wide open. I blinked at the alpha's frightened expression unsurely while sitting on the bed with striking messy hair... until it struck me. Who's in trouble?! I hastily scrambled out of bed and followed Jungkook into the living room to find Taehyung kneeling on the floor... grunting in pain. My dazed mind suddenly cleared up as I watched him whimper on the floor with a bruised face and arms clasped over his wounded stomach.
"Honey! That's enough!-" Mrs. Kim gasped- SMACK! Mr. Kim angrily struck Taehyung hard across his face, sending his son tumbling weakly onto the polished tiles. The alpha balled his hands into tight fists while struggling to endure the pain over his bruised cheekbone. Dread filled me as I watched Mr. Kim strike his son in the living room, so I shifted my bewildered gaze to the elders as they anxiously watched the man abuse his son. No one dared to interfere.
"How long do we have to put up with you?! We could've died if it weren't for the Jang- and yet you dare embarrass Sora by asking another alpha to the ceremony with you?!- How dare you raise your voice at your father?!" Mr. Kim roared at Taehyung. The alpha lowered his head in pain as Mr. Kim towered over him with his fuming red face.
"That's enough!" I blurted when Mr. Kim tried to strike Taehyung again. Halt! The man abruptly paused with his hand raised in the air once he noticed... me and Jungkook... gawking at his brutal acts.
"Sora. Let the Kims deal with their-" Appa warned me- but I didn't let my father finish his words and stormed forward to block Mr. Kim from striking Taehyung again as he struggled to sit up from the floor.
"I am merely lecturing him-"
"With your fists? When he's bleeding like this?- How can he possibly understand your words when he's in so much pain?" I frowned at Mr. Kim's rageful expression. The man glanced at Taehyung's unfavorable condition and back at me with an uptight glower.
"I'm on your side Sora-"
"Then don't hurt Kim Taehyung!" I snapped, hastily bending down to seize Taehyung by his upper arm as he struggled to stand on his feet. The alpha grunted lowly as I swung his arm over my shoulder. Jungkook gulped and hurried over to help me heave Taehyung, who was too weak to carry himself. I carefully led Taehyung away from his infuriated father as his mother sobbed in distress with her hands clasped over her mouth.
"Is he drunk?" I whispered as we entered Taehyung's bedroom.
"Of course he is! He came home a bloody mess this morning and got into an argument with his father. Why else did you think he'd let his father beat him up like this?" Jungkook frowned, settling Taehyung on the couch. He was out drinking? That's unlike him! I sighed deeply while examining the dried blood stain on his bruised lips. How can a father bruise their children's skin like this?!
Jungkook eventually left the room because he had to see Minah for their date, leaving me behind with his lifeless cousin. I grabbed the first aid kit from the cabinet to treat Taehyung's wound while perching on the couch with a dark frown. Does this happen often...? I thought I was the only one getting abused by my mother.
I quietly wiped the dried blood off his face with a soaked towel before applying ointments to his swollen wounds until my chief guard showed up to lend the alpha numbing creams. Taehyung passed out the instant we laid him down. I dabbed the medication on Taehyung's wounds as Do-hwan changed Taehyung into a fresh set of pajamas. He reeks of alcohol.
"Why was his father so upset?" I whispered while brushing Taehyung's hair from his face, dimming my gaze on the bruise on his cheekbone.
"The alpha brought the woman home," Do-hwan muttered while folding Taehyung's dirty clothes.
"Alpha? Who? Haerim?" I frowned, turning to look at Do-hwan with my lips ajar.
"Yeah. Taehyung spent the night with her and came home drunk. Mr. Kim was infuriated once he found his son... stumbling home with the young woman after he... specifically instructed Taehyung to disengage his involvement with the alpha," Do-hwan nodded.
"He didn't have to beat him up over something so trivial-"
"It's not trivial, Sora. The Kim is extremely restless with your relationship with Seokjin," Do-hwan sighed. I slowly looked up at Do-hwan as he stood by the couch to watch me paste a cooling patch on Taehyung's feverish forehead.
"What?-"
"Sora. Your parents promised to share your power with the Kims through marriage. But you're dating another alpha from a different household. The Kims are venting their frustration on their son now... but how long will it take... until they shift that anger toward your household? The Kim will never tolerate your relationship with Kim Seokjin- because it means they're losing the opportunity to be the strongest household in the society," Do-hwan explained. I pursed my lips and glanced back at Taehyung. He did warn me when we spoke... but I didn't think his parents would go as far as hurting him like this. Knock. Knock. Do-hwan strode across to the room and pulled the door open. A maid politely bowed as I sat on the edge of the couch.
"Master Kim Seokjin requested your presence, my lady," The maid informed. Do-hwan sighed and turned to leave the room with the maid as I made sure Taehyung was resting comfortably before getting up to exit his room. I hurried towards the front door and pushed it open to find Seokjin standing by the doorway in his neat shirt and trousers.
"Are you hurt?" Seokjin asked, frowning at my dirty clothes unsurely.
"It's not my blood," I awkwardly glanced down at the blood stains on my hands and nightgown.
"Is everything okay-"
"I'm fine! Give me a moment! I just woke up, so I'm not presentable yet! I'll shower and get changed real quick, okay?!- Oh! Do-hwan!" I awkwardly assured my boyfriend- just as Do-hwan came walking out of the garage.
"What?" Do-hwan unsurely glanced at me.
"Can you escort Seokjin to our dining hall?" I smiled, quickly grabbing Do-hwan's arm. The man fired me the 'Are you fucking nuts?' look, so I darted him a threatening smile until the man gave in to my command. Seokjin awkwardly stared at my chief guard's bitter look as I patted his firm arm and hurried away to tidy up my messy appearance.
A moment later.
"Are you out of your mind?! How can you bring him inside after what Mr. Kim did to Taehyung earlier?!" Do-hwan scoffed as soon as he noticed me strolling toward him.
"What am I supposed to do?! Tell him to sit outside for an hour so I can get ready?!" I argued while adjusting my dress with a sore grimace. The man scoffed and turned to open the door for me. Creak. I entered to find Seokjin sitting stiffly with a teacup and cake before him. The elders were intensely staring at the alpha from across the table.
"Sora," Seokjin greeted, shifting uncomfortably in his seat.
"Let's go!" I beamed, hastily grabbing his hand before he got to touch the cake. My mother might poison him! Seokjin awkwardly got up from the chair and bowed to the elders, who were clearly troubled by his unexpected presence.
"What's the matter? They were just asking me about the school council and my thesis-"
"Don't eat or drink anything they give you!" I snapped as I dragged him out of the doorway.
"Why? They won't possibly consider poisoning a top alpha in their mansion, would they?" Seokjin joked, funnily nudging my shoulder as we hurried through the corridor. Halt!
I stopped dead in my tracks and snapped my unblinking glower on the man's clueless smile... until the upward curve of his lips faded from his pretty face. If the elders can eliminate their family and friends... then... he's not an exception. Seokjin swallowed in dread as he observed my grim expression, so I eventually sighed and shook my head, gently pulling him forward. We left in his car to attend the university together.
.
.
.
"They will reveal the results today! Aren't you excited?" I grinned, excitedly nudging Seokjin as we walked hand in hand toward the entrance.
The university will announce the thesis winner today! I wasn't in Korea last year, so I am rather enthusiastic about the announcement because I heard it's like a Nobel Prize! Kim Taehyung won the competition two years in a row!- In fact! He was always the winner since he started his course at the academy after high school! I stopped smiling the instant... I remembered Taehyung. He won't make it today, even if he wins... because of his injuries.
"I have high hopes this year... but I can't underestimate Kim Taehyung," Seokjin shrugged as we passed the entrance security section. He suddenly released my hand as soon as we entered the bustling place, so I blinked at my unoccupied fingers before glancing up at Seokjin's handsome side profile while making our way to class. My boyfriend took me to my class first before heading off to his. I don't want to study with the lower ranks because they make me uncomfortable.
A moment later.
"Seokjin!" I excitedly waved while dashing through the corridor after the tormenting lecture without the alphas. Seokjin was speaking with a professor in the hallway with a bright beam.
"Sora," Seokjin smiled once I got to him. I grinned and bowed at the professor, unconsciously clutching Seokjin's forearm as the professor spoke when Seokjin gently grabbed my hand to pull my grip off his arm. He raised his hand to pat my back instead before dropping his arm to place it in his pocket so I couldn't hold onto him. I unsurely frowned at his withdrawal as he dismissively chatted with the professor... awkwardly glancing around the bustling corridor while waiting for my boyfriend to conclude the conversation.
"Are you excited?!" I chirped once Seokjin directed his attention to me again after the professor strolled off.
"Sort of, but I have no expectations," Seokjin shrugged, calmly walking off, so I followed him into the auditorium filled with the alphas and lower ranks. Seokjin took me to the front row with the professors. I gulped and glanced at Taehyung's empty spot. Should I call Do-hwan to check on Taehyung?
"Woah~! That's the award~?!" I gasped with my glimmering pupils set upon a sparkly crystal badge, placed on a velvet cushion inside a secured glass enclosure.
"It's majestic," Seokjin nodded with his yearning gaze on the grand prize.
"I saw those in Taehyung's bedroom! He had it in this small cubicle display!" I happily covered my mouth. Seokjin didn't reply, so I cleared my throat and glanced at his somber expression as he unblinkingly stared at the badge. Oh. Maybe I shouldn't have spoken about the awards he lost.
"Sora, you'll be Taehyung's representative today if he wins," The principal informed me. My face drained in horror. Me?!- Why not Jungkook!? Why me?! I nervously stared at Seokjin's stern expression. If Taehyung wins... I'll have to take that badge home... from Seokjin. I pursed my lips once the principal stepped onto the stage with a host.
"Kim Taehyung has a higher chance of winning," I heard the professors whisper beside me. Seokjin's face darkened, so I shifted uncomfortably in my seat with a racing heart as I listened to the boring speech. The host is summarizing Seokjin and Taehyung's thesis about some sort of... council regulations.
"KIM-" The host finally called out the first name. I sucked in my breath with my eyes trained on the man's taunting smile as he stood on the stage with the microphone. The entire hall grew hushed to anticipate the announcement until they were perching in their seats.
"KIM SEOKJIN! CONGRATULATIONS!" The man announced, causing an uproar of booming cheers and applause to erupt from the audience. I screeched in disbelief, wildly snapping my head in Seokjin's direction, who remained dumbfounded in his seat. I grabbed his arm and frantically shook him in extreme delight- until he stiffened in his seat. The principal and professors pridefully clapped for Seokjin as I fangirled beside him. He finally won the competition!
"You won! You did it, baby!" I shrieked, grabbed his face, and leaned forward with the intention to kiss him when Seokjin suddenly stood up from his seat just before my lips met his cheek. I halted in confusion when Seokjin turned and walked toward the stage without acknowledging my sincere enthusiasm for his success. He sternly strode onto the stairs with a faint smile. I scratched my head and sat back in my chair to smile at him. The principal stepped onto the stage to hand Seokjin the badge. Seokjin briefly glanced at me, so I quickly lifted my hand to wave at him, but he looked away before I could express my support. My chest churned uncomfortably once again.
Why am I sulking...? He's been neglecting my attention... every time we're in school. Or around other people- Sora! Don't be stupid! Seokjin isn't the type to publicly display his affection. You shouldn't distract him from his responsibilities just because you're dating him! Sighing, I shook my head and happily clapped with the others after Seokjin gave a short speech to express his gratitude.
Seokjin brightly beamed at the cheering crowd as he stepped off the stage with the grand prize, so I quickly shot off the armchair to approach him... but was immediately outraced by a pack of alphas and lower ranks as they coursed forward to praise the alpha. Seokjin responded to their congratulations with a radiant smile and chatted with the crowd of supporters as I unsurely stood beside my chair. I couldn't help but feel a little disappointed, but I didn't want to make a fuss... so I sighed and strolled away from the commotion. Minah and Jungkook immediately dragged me to the school canteen for lunch because they were starving. I didn't feel like eating and blankly sat without budging as Minah chatted with Jungkook over their meals.
Should I be concerned? Is there really a problem with his behavior, or is it just me? I can't figure it out. I enviously watched Jungkook and Minah's wholesome interaction from across the table. They love so carefreely... on campus and even outside. Nothing seems to bother them whenever they're together.
Sora. Seokjin is a high-status alpha. His family expects a lot from him. The man was never once involved in a scandal until you arrived. He always treats you well whenever you're together, except for when he has to focus on his work. Do you actually want him to grant you all his time? It's very foolish of you to be so greedy. I frowned at my conflicting thoughts. Maybe it's because I'm on my period...? I finally got my period after the prolonged delay... so that's probably... why I'm emotionally needy.
Seokjin didn't show up to eat with us at the canteen. Where did he go? I wanted to wait for him, but it's almost time for class again, and he's still not there. I sighed and got up from my seat without uttering a word. I feel so stuffy. Jungkook glanced at my untouched food as I packed my bag and walked off. I left my things in my locker before climbing the emergency stairs... until I reached the highest stair landing. Thud.
A young and pretty lower rank giggled, suddenly pushing the rooftop door open as I stood on the landing below. Her cheeks were bright red. She immediately bowed once she spotted me staring up at her as she jogged down the stairs. I watched her leave through the exit door on the floor below before averting my dim eyes to the rooftop door again. Thud. Thud. I walked up the remaining stairs and pushed the door open to find Seokjin sitting at his usual place. He turned to look at me as I stepped into the opening.
"I didn't want to eat at the canteen today," Seokjin smiled, patting the floor, signaling me to sit with him. I eyed a cute lunch box beside him and sat down with it in between us. The lower rank brought him food?
"Aren't you going to eat it?" I asked, averting my bitter gaze away.
"No. I already packed lunch. Do you want some? Ah~!" Seokjin picked up the lunch box from between us and placed it aside. The alpha scooted closer to me before turning to offer his half-eaten sandwich.
"I'm full," I lied while shaking my head. Seokjin chewed unsurely while inspecting my grumpy expression. He shrugged and ate the remaining sandwich as I sat in silence.
"Did something happen? Are you unwell? You've been sulking all day," Seokjin muttered with his eyes fixed on the view. So he noticed.
"It's probably just my period," I mumbled while hugging my knees.
"Should I take you home?" Seokjin asked worriedly. I shook my head with my face buried against my knees. Seokjin dusted his hands after shoving the remaining chunk into his mouth and wiped his fingers clean with a wet wipe before placing his arm over my shoulder... gently drawing me against him.
"You were very cute when you cheered for me," He mumbled. The heavy thoughts in my head disappeared without a warning. I lifted my head, unsurely frowning at his faint smile.
"You didn't even notice me," I huffed. He didn't even pay attention to anything I did.
"Of course I did. But it felt like I was going to melt if I looked at you for too long, so I looked away," Seokjin chuckled. My lips suddenly curved up into a weak smile. Seokjin patted my head and leaned forward to kiss my lips. I closed my eyes as he tenderly grazed his lips over mine until the stuffy emotions subsided from my chest.
"Congratulations," I smiled after he pulled away. Why am I demonizing his good nature? I examined his flushed cheeks as he stroked my cheek with his thumb. Seokjin nodded and leaned forward to pull me into a comforting hug... and suddenly... the doubts I had earlier... faded away.
Fast forward.
I softly knocked on the plain door to announce my presence before pushing it open to find Taehyung rubbing his face on the couch. He turned to stare at me unsurely as I gripped the bag in my hands. He woke up...? His entire face is swollen.
"If you're here to talk about-"
"I brought you bubble tea and... some ginseng gummy," I replied, placing the bag on the coffee table. Taehyung shifted his bruised eyes to stare at my gifts with a questioning look.
"Do you feel bad now that I lost in the contest?" He grunted, dimming his gaze on me.
"I didn't know... you were taking the blow for my reckless actions," I muttered, clasping my hands together in guilt. Taehyung stared at my apologetic remark with an uneasy gaze before averting his eyes to the bag again.
"What are you standing there for? Sit down and pop the bubble tea for me. My arm hurts. Did my old man have to strain me so badly over something so trivial?" Taehyung groaned, slumping over the cousin to massage his strong shoulder. He's not kicking me out...?
"Should I massage your arms?" I asked, sitting down eagerly. Taehyung furrowed his eyebrows at me as he rubbed his sore shoulder.
"No. Thank you. You might dislocate my shoulder. Just pop the drink for me," Taehyung nodded rudely while lying on the couch with his eyes half open. I fired him a sharp glare before turning to stab the straw through the lid, carefully handing him the plastic cup. Taehyung didn't reach it and leaned forward to suck from the straw. I pursed my lips as I fed him the drink.
"I'm sorry," I muttered, lowering the bubble tea after he took a few gulps. Taehyung glanced at me again while rubbing the bandage on his left cheek.
"I provoked my father on purpose. Took Haerim home when I was drunk. That's why he was so furious," Taehyung muttered.
"He shouldn't hurt you this badly," I grimaced. There's no valid reason for his father to abuse him so severely.
"It's more than just a father and son problem, Sora. My parents are extremely restless because of the upcoming ceremony. A pack of high-rank alphas will reveal themselves. This is a threat to the existing households. Especially ours... because the more alphas we greet at the ceremony... The more our influence in the council will shrink as we split the power portion with them," Taehyung muttered. I sat in silence to contemplate the dire situation. Our households and alliance combined make up roughly 40% of the entire society... but with the presence of the new anonymous alphas... they will drastically reduce the figures. We might even drop to 30% or even less.
"The only strategy to terrorize the anonymous alphas is to merge our assets," I nodded. The system is complicated. The anonymous alphas usually reveal themselves when the society is weak or unstable. However, if there's an extremely powerful household... they will reconsider their disclosure... and stay in hiding to avoid being terminated by the upper ranks.
"Seokjin must be kissing his badge," Taehyung grunted while staring at his previous badges from the couch. I blinked out of my thoughts when he suddenly changed the topic.
"The professors claimed you might win before the announcement," I shrugged. If it was Taehyung they bet on... then why did Seokjin win?
"No. I knew I was gonna lose this year. I saw Seokjin's thesis... and he theorized a few appeals better than mine," Taehyung shrugged, reaching for the bubble tea from my hand. I let him take it and sat in silence.
We ended up chatting about various topics without arguing... so that was a relief. Maybe I can mend the rifts between us? After all, it's not Taehyung I should fear... he's my parent's weapon. And every time they use him... against me... it is him... who ends up burning out. He's caught in the crossfire between me and my parents. Maybe I should provoke my parents less...? So they don't have to hurt him as often. Maybe... we wouldn't be as angry with each other if I backed down a little to grant him a break.
Taehyung agreed to settle the conflict between us after we talked a few times. He told me everything about Haerim's intention, and it was understandable for him to behave this way. It's not like we can do anything about it. We'll have to stay low until we figure out a way to deal with her.
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Fast Forward
"Sora???" Seokjin called, cluelessly strolling into the empty living room upon his return from the academy.
"CONGRATULATIONS!" The alphas and the lower ranks shrieked. Jungkook set off an explosive confetti paper over Seokjin's head as I leaped out from behind the couch to surprise my lover. Beep! Beep! Kang Minah loudly blew the party horns as the other lower ranks cheered for Seokjin's first achievement in his private villa. Seokjin froze in shock as we cheerfully hyped him up in the living room.
"Your villa is crazy stylish!" One of Minah's friends laughed as he scanned the interior.
"Can we use the pool? Let's have a pool party!" Minah suggested, eagerly pointing at the pool outside the living room.
"I brought the best champagne for you!" Jungkook smugly smiled with his arm over Minah's shoulder. The alphas and lower ranks chattered in excitement as Seokjin stood fixed in position with his startled gaze on the commotion before his eyes. He must be in shock! How adorable!-
"I want everyone out of my villa this instant," Seokjin spoke in a dangerously low tone, causing my smile to drop upon noticing the agitation on his face.
"Wae? We should celebrate!-" I nervously smile- Thud! Thud! Thud! The alpha stormed toward his door and angrily swung it open with a dark glower. The chatter immediately died down as we stared at his harsh reaction with our lips a jar.
"My parents will visit my place in an hour," Seokjin clenched his jaw, darkly glaring at each and every one of us until his disappointed gaze landed on mine. Badum. My heart ached in extreme discomfort at the sight of his spiteful glower. He's upset with me...? But- But I only wanted to celebrate his- victory...?
A moment later...
The alphas and lower ranks poured out of the villa in confusion after we failed to celebrate Seokjin's accomplishment. Jungkook fired me a worried look as I dimly followed Minah out of the villa. Seokjin immediately slammed the door closed after everyone evacuated his property... so I sighed and nervously turned to find Minah pursing her lips at me.
"We'll see you at school," Minah patted my arm with an unsettled look. I weakly nodded at her as Jungkook walked away with the other alphas and lower ranks. I watched them exit the front gate in their respective cars before turning to frown at Seokjin's villa again. Sighing, I carefully entered the private to find Seokjin... vacuuming the scattered confetti on his floor. Virrr~! I nervously glanced at the heap of food and drinks I prepared before averting my eyes back to Seokjin's blank face.
"I'll clean up the mess-" I offered, quickly approaching him and tried to grab the vacuum when Seokjin yanked it out of my hand and turned away to sweep under a chair. I frowned at his impassive response.
"Are you mad at me?" I asked. Seokjin didn't answer my question and proceeded to suck up the golden confetti without speaking.
"I called Do-hwan. Go home," Seokjin muttered without sparing me his attention. I stood staring at his cold shoulder in disbelief.
"You can't possibly get upset over my effort??? I only wanted to celebrate your achievement!" I gritted. Why is he overreacting?!- I don't understand!
"I'm won't argue with you," Seokjin replied, rudely walking off without looking at me. Thud. I heard him slamming his bedroom door shut, so I shakily exhaled and turned to rub my forehead with swelling tears in my eyes.
"Whatever!" I yelled loud enough for him to hear before snatching my belongings from the couch and stomped out of his villa with a burning chest. I angrily marched toward Do-hwan's car before he could get out to assist me.
"What happened-" Do-hwan froze as I angrily shoved my things into the back seat- SLAM! I banged the car door shut, hastily buckled my seat belt and leaned back with my arms crossed over my chest.
"Take me home!" I demanded, fiercely glaring at the gate.
"The first fight...? Got it," Do-hwan cleared his throat awkwardly while examining my smoking ears and flaring nostrils. The man spun around in his seat to start the engine and we eventually jerked forward, so I huffed in extreme annoyance.
I stormed straight to my room without speaking to anyone upon my arrival at the mansion. Why did he have to be so sensitive when I was trying to please him?! Well- My temper didn't cool down... until I fell asleep that night and woke up with a sore throat. It's all his fault!
"Are you not going to school?" Jungkook asked, suddenly opening the door to check on me as I coughed under the blanket.
"Leave me alone," I grumbled, weakly rolling over on my bed to pull the blanket over my head.
"You're not seriously avoiding school because of that jerk?" Jungkook dawdled from the door.
"I have a sore throat," I mumbled, screwing my eyes shut in discomfort... until I heard Jungkook sighing. He eventually closed the door and left, so I flopped onto my back with my downcast gaze trained on the ceiling. I finally got up to grab my phone- hoping to see a text from Seokjin... but there were no notifications. He's really upset with me?! That's unfair!
Sighing, I tossed my phone aside and strode towards the living room, slumping on the couch to brood over the fight. My condition worsened the day after our fight... and I ended up suffering from mild flu. Do-hwan had to take me to the hospital for treatment because my fever was too alarming.
"Urghh..." I whimpered while struggling to swallow the soft porridge, but my throat was stinging so much- I couldn't ingest the warm fluid. My eyes are burning! My nose is stuffy! My body is sore! And my head is throbbing in pain! Urgh!
"Are you alright?" Taehyung suddenly spoke up. I weakly lifted my face to find him... strolling into the living room in his casual clothes as I sat with striking messy hair in my nightgown.
"Your bruise healed," I grunted while rubbing my stuffy nose.
Taehyung bitterly watched me poke my tongue over the spoon as he sat across from me. He suddenly got back up and walked away without speaking, so I shrugged and turned back to stir the warm bowl. The alpha returned with a cool patch after a few minutes... so I frowned at the man with a questioning look. He left to get me a cool patch? Taehyung didn't utter a word as he tore open the package and approached me with it.
The alpha gently placed his hand under my sticky chin, tilting my head upward before brushing my hair away from my face and carefully pressed the cold patch on my forehead. I shivered in distress as the icy sensation jolted all over my skull, so Taehyung ruffled my hair and tossed the empty package in the automatic dustbin before settling down again.
"Did you fight with Seokjin?" Taehyung asked, pulling out his phone to type on it.
"How did you know?" I hoarsely replied.
"Jungkook is not a quiet kid. Oh- And the president wasn't in a great mood at school either," Taehyung shrugged.
"Seokjin is in a bad mood?" I asked, unsurely eyeing Taehyung.
"Yeah. He got irritated over the simplest things I said. It's unlike him," Taehyung nodded. I sighed and looked down at the stupid hot porridge in annoyance. Why is it so hot?! Should I suck it with a straw?!
"He got mad at me for throwing a surprise birthday party at his place," I muttered. Taehyung scoffed at my words... as if he couldn't believe his ears.
"At his private villa???" Taehyung laughed.
"Yeah. Why?- Why are you laughing?!" I stared at his silly reaction unsurely.
"Seokjin never lets anyone visit his private villa except for Namjoon and Hoseok- and you- since you started seeing him. It's probably his sacred sanctuary, but you foolishly invited the alphas and lower ranks to his place? I'd be upset too if I were him," Taehyung smugly raised his eyebrow. I glared at the alpha's mockery and leaned against the couch- Clatter. I dropped the spoon into the bowl before slumping onto the cushion with a lifeless expression.
"I only wanted to make him happy-"
"Not by allowing the dangerous alphas inside his house," Taehyung shook his head. I didn't argue because I was too sore so I exhaled and closed my burning eyelids. Whatever.
Taehyung eventually left the living room once I refused to continue our conversation, so I strolled back to my room without finishing my food to take a nap because the medication was making me drowsy. I've been home for five days... since the fight with Seokjin... and yet he didn't text me. Not once. I weakly lifted my phone to contact Seokjin... but he didn't answer my call. Ahhh~! I don't want to admit it, but this is my fault! How can I be so stupid?! I groaned in frustration while tossing and rolling on the bed to yank my messy hair in guilt- eventually sitting up on the mattress to glare at my door.
"I should apologize," I muttered. Seokjin has every right to be upset with me, and I shouldn't be childish about it. I visited the kitchen to bake a cake with the chefs and finally packed a slice of carrot cake for Seokjin.
I carefully carried the bag into the car and took off with my driver to visit Seokjin's villa. Just apologize. He's a sympathetic man. I nervously clenched the bag as I strolled toward the glass door. It's after school time... and the sun is setting... Seokjin should be home by now. I nervously stood by the door and rang his doorbell... but there were no answers. Is he not home?
I blinked and peeked through the transparent glass to search for Seokjin... but he was nowhere to be found. I intensely chewed my lips with my eyes glued on his keypad. I'll wait for him inside- Beep. I froze in place when the keypad denied the passcode I entered. I stared at the screen unsurely and lifted my fingers to press the pin again. Beep. The red light flickered once again. My heart sank. Did he really have to change the passcode...?
I gripped the paper bag with a slight pout as an uncomfortable ache... punctured my chest with its invisible blade. He denied my entry...? I sighed in defeat, gloomily turning around with my head lowered- just as Seokjin's car came rolling into the property. He stepped out of the car with Namjoon and Hoseok... laughing cheerfully with his friends. I stood with my burning gaze on his brilliant appearance. How is he so... unbothered? Hoseok jokingly nudged Seokjin's shoulder, who was grinning from ear to ear.
Taehyung told me he was moody... but Seokjin didn't seem to care about my well-being... at all. What am I doing here? Sora? What are you doing? How can you be this pathetic? Namjoon was the first to notice me standing by the door. He halted. Seokjin and Hoseok glanced at Namjoon in confusion before looking in my direction to find me standing with my gift bag. Seokjin's bright smile immediately disappeared in my presence. Oh? He doesn't wish to see me?
"What are you doing here?" Seokjin asked, unsurely walking up to me. Instead of feeling guilty like I did earlier... I felt extreme anger surging through my body. I was angry with his stupid question. What am I doing here? Am I not welcome anymore?
"You changed the pin," I spoke shortly with my dull gaze fixed on Seokjin's troubled frown.
"I was about to tell you-"
"Tell me? You didn't even text me," I coldly stared at Seokjin. Hoseok uneasily observed my burning red face before exchanging awkward glances with Namjoon. My throat is burning so much- but I don't care. I want to pierce his heart with my words!
"I'm not going to argue with you-"
"Whatever. I shouldn't have visited in the first place," I sneered at Seokjin and marched off, coldly bumping into his shoulder. Thump! I was so furious with his action I could hear my ears ringing with static sounds. He will stop me! He has to stop me from walking away, or I'll never return to him! I abruptly stopped on my way to the gate when he didn't call for me. Is he really not chasing after me?! I snapped my head back to find Seokjin entering his villa with his friends, causing the fiery flames to erupt within my chest. Scoff!
"I don't need you to live!" I screamed at Seokjin's villa and stomped away with an attitude.
I don't need any man to live! He's nothing to me, and I don't need him! I'm the supreme alpha! And I can easily find a new man if I want to! I will not break over a jerk like him!
A moment later...
"He's so mean~! Hic~! That stupid jerk~!- How can he break my heart like this~!? Hic-! This is so unfair~!" I pitifully whimpered with my cheeks stuffed with the carrot cake.
"Aigo..." Do-hwan bitterly watched me from his desk as I bawled in distress on his couch with the carrot cake container in my arms.
"Stupid jerk!!! He even changed his pin- so I couldn't access his villa~! Hic- He didn't even chase after me when I stormed away~! I thought he was a prince charming in romantic dramas- but he's just like every other nasty man! Hic!- A heartless jerk! I'll never see him again~! Oh?! Hic!- Even if he knelt and begged for forgiveness~! I'LL NEVER SEE HIM AGAIN! STUPID JERK~!!!" I sobbed in frustration as I angrily jabbed the carrot cake with my spoon- Thump! Thump! Thump! I smashed the sticky paste in extreme resentment- suddenly pouting harder and howled at the top of my lungs to express my distressing misery.
Do-hwan pitifully watched me abuse the cake I baked for Seokjin with a disappointed look. I threw a nasty tantrum by kicking my legs in the air like a maniac before slumping weakly on the couch as warm tears streamed down my numbed face. How can he treat me like this!? After promising to be a good man! I'm so upset! I hysterically thrashed on the couch again... until Do-hwan rubbed his forehead and lowered his face over the desk... because he was so done with my childish attitude.
"Sir-!" A guard suddenly knocked on the office door. He halted in shock once he found me screeching inside Do-hwan's office like a dumb monkey. I immediately grew hushed upon the unexpected intrusion- and frantically jerked off the cushion to rub the stinging tears from my cheeks before wiping the smudged cream from my lips in extreme embarrassment.
"What is it?" Do-hwan sighed, averting his weary gaze to the guard.
"Master Seokjin is here to visit our young lady. Would you like to meet him?" The guard asked while examining my bright red face and runny nose. Hic~! I quickly covered my lips to stop myself from hiccuping.
"Do you want to see him?" Do-hwan dawdled, raising his eyebrow with a bitter look. I pursed my lips at his question and glanced at the trainee guard as the slimy snot... trickled messily from my nostrils.
"Hic!-" I hiccupped again while gripping tightly onto the container filled with smashed cakes. I said I won't see him again! I won't see him!-Stupid jerk! I won't see him!- WHIP! I hurled the container aside and bolted across the office in my silk gown- Halt! I abruptly stopped by the door to fix my appearance.
"Aigo~!" Do-hwan groaned as he watched me rub the tears and cream from my face.
I sniffled and patted my messy hair to ensure I was pretty before strolling out of the security department... causing the shaken guard to step aside with his lips ajar while eyeing my deranged behavior. I calmly walked toward the front door... took a deep breath... and finally stepped out to find Seokjin waiting for me with his hands in his pockets. Seokjin lifted his grim gaze to scan my face as I blankly approached him.
"You look sick," Seokjin spoke in a concerned tone with his gaze trained on my puffy eyes.
"I caught the flu," I answered coldly.
"I couldn't stop you when you left earlier because I had to discuss family matters with Namjoon and Hoseok. That's why I came now," Seokjin sighed.
"I'm sorry. About the incident. It was my fault. You can be upset with me," I nodded with little to no emotions. Seokjin observed my dull expression uneasily.
"Oh. I was really furious that day. I didn't want to speak with you because I was afraid of hurting your feelings with unintentional words-"
"It's alright. I'm already hurting," I replied. Seokjin frowned at my monotonous response.
"Am I supposed to apologize-"
"No. Of course not. There's nothing to apologize for," I swallowed the burning lump in my throat with difficulty. My throat is throbbing in pain again.
"Are you going to keep up with the attitude? I don't like to play childish games," Seokjin sighed when I wouldn't stop responding to him with little to no emotions.
"I know. I won't play childish games with you anymore," I replied, sternly staring at Seokjin's uptight scowl. He stared at me with an unsettled expression and finally released a deep sigh.
"I'll leave if you don't want me here-"
"I have something to say before you leave," I interrupted just as Seokjin was about to turn away. The alpha paused at my request and glanced at me again.
"You have my attention," Seokjin sorely sighed.
"Let's break up," I said shortly. Seokjin froze in his place upon hearing the unexpected request.
"Suddenly?-"
"We're not going to work out so let's just stop seeing each other," I shrugged.
"How can you immediately resort to ending our relationship over a mere fight?" Seokjin scoffed at me in disbelief.
"It's not immediate. You've shown me too many reasons to give up on our relationship," I shook my head. Seokjin furrowed his eyebrows at me as if to read my crazy mind.
"Sora, this is not funny. I never treated you-"
"Maybe not intentionally, but you never really appreciated my affection. Especially when we're around other people. You would never respond to my affection in front of the alphas and would brush it off. Every time I tried to get closer to you... you withdraw. It's nothing worrisome... but I don't like it. The way you neglect my efforts. Sure. You're busy with work and your career... but it doesn't kill you to appreciate me," I coldly replied with my unblinking gaze on the startled alpha.
"School isn't a place to hook up! I care about you! It's just that I don't want to be distracted-"
"Then I shouldn't distract you. I will stop from now on so you can focus on your work. I won't suppress my feelings for your needs anymore, so it's best if we break up. You should find someone willing to give you the space you need. And that's not me," I responded with a blank face. Seokjin stood motionlessly before me as the afternoon breeze brushed his soft hair. Even the sky was gloomy... as I requested to end our relationship before the setting sun.
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Hello! I'm a bit late this week but I'm typing away this chapter at godspeed so I can publish it before bedtime! Lmao, it's almost midnight already and I have school early tomorrow! It doesn't matter as long as I can update for you guys! I'm happy! I'll just fall asleep in class tomorrow haha! I love guys! Thank you so much for being patient with me! <3 I'll try to update asap! Have fun~!