ALPHA | BTS FANFICTION

Alpha - Counter Attack - Chapter 41

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ALPHA - PART 2

THE APOCALYPSE

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Third Person POV

Flick. Flick. Flick.

Kim Taehyung sat unblinkingly within the dim office space with his deserted gaze on the dull city view before his top-floor office building. His leather armchair... facing away from his work desk as the man remains seated in his uncluttered work suit and polished black shoes. The alpha blankly stared at the flashing billboard advertisement on the nearby building's concrete walls, gradually drifting his eyes to the mismatching window lights on the scattered buildings as the extreme rainstorm tore through the city with its despairing agony.

The cold pallets... angrily striking the massive transparent wall... leaving behind the shattered water beads on the damp glass upon the rough collision.

Knock. Knock.

"Sir? Is there anything else you'd like me to assist you with?" A secretary knocked on the door, unsurely strolling inside the chilly office to find the alpha sitting listlessly in his chair. He didn't budge.

"You're dismissed. I'll be working overtime again," Taehyung muttered without glancing at the secretary.

The man pursed his lips and lowered his head before excusing himself from his work obligation... carefully shutting the door to leave the alpha in solitude. Kim Taehyung finally blinked at the dark view to retrieve his distracted mind from the unsettling reality of his world and spun on his chair to face the bright desktop screen on his desk.

10:45 PM. He stared at the time and glanced at his inactive phone screen. The alpha bitterly tapped on the screen, hoping to receive a text... or even a few notifications... but no one seemed to notice his absence. Oftentimes... he'd get random texts from his girlfriend throughout the day. Jang Sora would question his whereabouts the instant he was a minute late.

Dumpling: Oppa, should we eat dinner together?

Dumpling: I baked your favorite cake again~! Hurry home!

Dumpling: Oppa! Should I bring you dinner? Imo made beef bone soup today. You should have it when it's still warm~!

Dumpling: I saw a cute cat today! It looks like you~ Haha~! *Picture Attachment*

Taehyung blankly stared at the endless spam on his phone as he scrolled through their previous text messages. The last time she contacted him... was to bring him her cake at the corporation, but he dismissed her and left with Hwa-young. He didn't even bother to reply to her message and left her on seen. Yet during... this particular moment... on a cold... and stormy night like this... Kim Taehyung couldn't help but... yearn for one of her childish texts.

Maybe. It'll lighten his spirit.

A random text is all he needed to uplift his gloomy mood.

But who would dare speak to him so casually... if it's not Jang Sora?

The alpha heavily exhaled to deflate the pressure within his chest, pushed his phone aside and glanced back at the desktop screen. No one cares about him. He was solely birthed into the world to take on the role of the household's workload. A human machine, severely abused and forced to deliver the highest performance to satisfy the elders. He lifted his hands to type on the keyboard again, drowning his sorrowful thoughts with the tasks and muting his disturbing emotions with every soft clack of the keyboard.

Words after words... digit and digit... pages after pages...

He'd read the phrases over ten times to finally comprehend whatever he was trying to understand. Sighing deeply, Taehyung closed his stinging eyeballs and lowered his face to recollect his mind with his unmoving fingers rested on the desk. The alpha had completely run out of fuel, and no matter how hard he tried to push himself... he couldn't deliver the desired output for his work.

Kim Taehyung sighed in defeat after failing to accomplish his work, rose from the armchair while collecting his belongings, and strolled through the vacant private lobby... but abruptly halted before the dim bar in the lounge. He stood quietly to contemplate his thoughts, finally strode inside the room, and dropped his suit before rounding the bar counter to pour himself a glass of whiskey. He took a small sip while sitting on the stool until rapid flashes... of Sora's drunken face appeared in his head.

The way... she'd fumble around with her intoxicated nerves while uttering nonsense with her pouty lips. Her bright smile and dirty smirks while clinging to his body for support. The man gripped the whiskey glass with a slight grimace and drained the glass to silence his active mind. Softly grunting, he lowered his face to counter the burning sensation... as it expanded across his chest, gradually numbing his system with the strong liquor.

One glass after another. The alpha devoured the liquor until his mind grew fuzzy... and his body... too weak to uphold his heavy head. He pushed the empty glass away, stumbled onto his feet, and tried to collect his belongings... but ended up... tumbling onto the couch.

Kim Taehyung weakly rubbed his throbbing head and turned to lay on his back with his hand clasped over his forehead. He tried to resist the urge to fall asleep... but his eyes only drooped lower and lower... until the dim lounge light faded from his blurry vision to isolate him from the miserable world.

Thud. The alpha slumped on the couch. His thick forearm slipped off his forehead... hanging weakly over the couch's edge. Completely wasted, he remained alone in the room and fell asleep throughout the night... until the morning sun rose over the damp city.

"Oh?" An assistant halted in a panic once she found the alpha snoring on the couch. His upper buttons were loose, revealing the deep ridges of his toned muscular chest. She glanced at the empty whiskey glass and the bottle on the counter before glancing back at her unbudging young master.

"Should we contact his guard?" The secretary asked as they bitterly watched him snore from the doorway.

"He has a scheduled board meeting in an hour," The assistant anxiously glanced at her colleague. The secretary sighed and left to prepare the schedule for the alpha, so the assistant immediately brewed Kim Taehyung a warm glass of honey lemon tea to assist his hangover.

A moment later.

The executive directors within the room awkwardly stiffed the reeking liquor scent with their sensitive nostrils as Kim Taehyung grumpily strolled into the room with his messed up hair and a loose shirt. The executives unsurely studied the alpha's unfavorable appearance but didn't dare express their concerns. He groggily slumped at the desk and leaned back to rub his swollen face as the assistant placed the warm tea beside his files.

The men and women began speaking about their meeting objectives and proposing the strategies to the alpha until the meeting was disrupted... once the executives... realized Kim Taehyung had dozed off in his seat. The directors exchanged nervous glances as the alpha leaned against his armchair with his eyes closed and his lips... slightly parted.

Consequently, the board meeting was forcefully suspended by the chief secretary to grant the alpha an appropriate resting time. Do-hwan arrived at the tower afterward to escort the alpha home. And Taehyung ended up... falling ill for almost a week. His weak immune system caught the severe flu, and he was plagued by high fevers, burning eyes, and a runny nose.

Kim Taehyung could no longer keep up with his profession, falling behind schedules and leaving the tower in undesirable disorder. The employees couldn't acquire his judgments on time, and everyone had to work overtime with his impractical strategies.

Mr. Kim would confront Taehyung about his carelessness with harsh lectures and painful strikes to his handsome face.

The senior alpha would force his son to execute his duties within a constricted time frame until the heir was too depleted and worked until his body ached all over. Yet he didn't dare complain about his discomfort and would stretch his strained capacity... further and further until he felt like he was going to suffocate and die from the stressful work burden.

"How is she...?" Taehyung murmured, slowly approaching the hospital entrance to meet imo, who has been watching over Jang Sora after she tried to commit suicide.

"Aigo~! Are you feeling alright?! You should get a check-up since you're here! I'll contact the head doctor~!" Imo gasped, worriedly patting Taehyung's forehead after she noticed his bloodless face.

"I'm fine. I asked if she was alright," Taehyung sighed, dejectedly pushing Imo's hand off his forehead as he held onto his suit. Imo bitterly stared at his wearied spirit and glanced at the hospital entrance.

A moment later.

Kim Taehyung slowly sat beside Jang Sora's side with his suit over his lap as imo closed the door and sat at the foot of the medical bed with her exhausted gaze on the supreme alpha's bandaged wrist.

"She hasn't woken up yet," Imo muttered.

Kim Taehyung clenched his fist while hovering his worn-out gaze over his former lover's yellowish skin tone before glancing at her flaky skin. He pursed his lips in remorse while recalling the abortion documents he uncovered in her bloody bathroom. Kim Taehyung didn't dare tell anyone about her probable pregnancy and chose to conceal the information.

"Was I too... selfish? I didn't know she'd go this far. I should apologize to her," Taehyung muttered, sadly gazing at Sora's ashen face with a wretched heart. He felt miserable.

"The poor thing didn't know how to ease her pain," Imo darkly shook her head. Kim Taehyung deeply exhaled and lowered his face to reflect on his numbed thoughts within the muted room.

He ruined her. He wanted to return to her... but she had already bled her rotting heart through her open veins. Kim Taehyung knew he was far too late because no matter what he did to express his remorse... the scar on her wrist would remain... and it would forever serve as a reminder of his betrayal.

Kim Taehyung always had a rational reason to behave a certain way when it came to the power game. As a matter of fact, he was always confident with his judgments. Power... was child's play to him. He always had everything his way... until he entered the world of love.

Not just any love, but he had to love... Jang Sora.

A soul he grew up knowing all his life. He knew her little habits and he could even predict her reaction to certain situations out of familiarity, but he still lost. He lost the love game, and there wasn't any justification to refute his reckless acts towards her. Love... is a game he failed to play.... because it involved being wholly vulnerable to the deadly double-edged sword.

Thereby, Kim Taehyung was... extremely intimidated by the weakness he calls... love.

He was a fool. He knew. Kim Taehyung took Jang Sora for granted during their early relationship days. Of course, it wasn't entirely his fault, but Kim Taehyung knew he could've been more mindful of her feelings. His greatest blunders were believing she'd tolerate his mistreatment permanently and remain by his side regardless of his insensitive nature.

The alpha thought he could bribe her naive soul with her favorite sweet rice cake forever. He thought she'd somehow return to him if he gaslighted her into believing everything was her fault. But he was painfully wrong.

The young Jang Sora he used to fool... was finally fed up with his toxic treatment and being the greedy person she was... she wanted more from him until it was beyond his capability to provide the love she desired. And in the heat of anger. He told her he couldn't love her anymore and that she was delusional for demanding such a form of love from him.

He intentionally shut her out to trigger her remorse for being a hassle in his life, and it worked. The guilt began to eat her out just like he anticipated. But Kim Taehyung wasn't willing to give in and coldly rejected her apologies and neglected her desperation until... long overdue.

The sweet love they brewed together... had unfortunately spoiled... turning into a poisonous grievance.

She spilled her blood under his name and ended their child's life with the deadly poison he made, and there was no antidote for it.

Only after he saw her disturbing bloody tiles and the soaked document did he realize... He had lost the love of his life and his child to his unyielding greed to tame her.

Jang Sora had already... consumed the poison to detach herself from him.

"We are not allowed to disclose our patient's information, sir," A doctor politely smiled at Taehyung. The alpha pursed his lips while studying women within the abortion center and glanced back at the middle-aged woman.

"My... girlfriend... she was here. I'm only trying to verify the abortion," Taehyung insisted, pulling out the medical file to show the doctor. The sore woman stared at the stained paper and left to retrieve the files after the alpha refused to leave without confirmation.

Taehyung nervously entered the counseling room with the woman.

"She came by with another man. I remember her. Jang Sora. She didn't look too well that day," The doctor nodded as she flipped through the medical records.

"She was pregnant..?" Taehyung eagerly asked as he sat on the stool.

"Three months pregnant. We injected Sora's cervix and withdrew the fetus," The doctor informed. Kim Taehyung stared unblinkingly at the paper in his hand until he felt his chest swelling with an intense emotion.

"Did she... hesitate? At all?" Taehyung restlessly asked while perching on the chair.

"She did. She visited me a week prior for counseling and returned on the appointed date to undergo the procedure. Sora... she's a strong woman. She cried afterward. Why are you curious? Did she get the abortion without your knowledge?" The doctor curiously asked. Taehyung clenched his jaw and looked up at the doctor's slightly raised eyebrow.

"She didn't tell me she was pregnant. I had no idea... she was carrying my child," Taehyung nodded. The woman's eyes dimmed at his obliviousness to his lover's pregnancy, so she sighed and glanced at the medical file.

"At the end of the day... it is her choice to conceive the child. You ought to respect the mother's decision," The doctor weakly smiled. Taehyung nodded with a grim frown. He was left speechless by the devastating verification.

The alpha then left the clinic after confirming Jang Sora's abortion with the doctor.

Fast Forward

"Oppa. Are you okay?" Hwa-young smiled, slightly grabbing Taehyung's arm, causing him to blink out of his wild thoughts. He averted his eyes to Hwa-young's pretty smile as she stood in her bridal gown.

"I'm fine," Taehyung stiffly nodded and glanced at the cameraman.

"You're so perfect together~! Aigo~!" Mrs. Chul gasped at the couple as the elders gathered in the private space to take pictures with the bride and groom. Taehyung forced a smile as Hwa-young clung to his arm.

The wedding venue resonated with cheerful chatters as the honored guests attended Kim Taehyung's wedding with Chul Hwa-young to settle at the flower-decorated seats. The alphas congratulated Taehyung and the bride on their special day, so Taehyung pretentiously plastered a smile on his face while conversing with the guests after Hwa-young left to touch up her makeup.

"Aish!- How is she so stupid?!-" Jungkook grunted while glaring at his phone after calling Sora to wake her up.

"Yah-" Taehyung unconsciously grabbed Jungkook to stop him from passing. The alpha lifted his confused face to question Kim Taehyung's edgy behavior.

"Is she... coming?" Taehyung asked awkwardly.

"You want her to suffer that much, don't you? I'm sure she'll show up to send you off~! No worries~!" Jungkook rudely scoffed, striding off while rolling his sassy eyes to irritate the groom. Taehyung clenched his jaw and glared at his cousin's coarse response as he stood sternly by the aisle.

"Taehyung! It's almost time! You should get your makeup done again!" Mrs. Kim appeared, dragging the groom aside so Taehyung followed his mother into the dressing room. Hwa-young was happily giggling with a few makeup artists as they complimented her exquisite visual, so Taehyung lowered his gaze to stare at his phone and tapped on Sora's picture with a restless feeling.

"Where is Sora!?" Mr. Jang's voice echoed from somewhere within the room as the elders bustled around in their traditional hanbok.

"Jungkook told me she forgot to set her alarm. She'll be here for the dinner feast," Do-hwan responded. Taehyung gripped the handrest and glanced at his dark expression in the mirror as the hair stylist fixed his loose strands. He glanced at his phone again and shifted his tense gaze to Hwa-young, who was peeking through the mirror at Jungkook as he cluelessly chatted with Jimin on the couch.

"I need to use the restroom," Taehyung informed, abruptly getting up from the chair, causing the stylist to step back with a startled reaction. The alpha pushed open the door and strolled down the bustling corridor without being suspected by his household. He hastily snatched the prickly pins from his gelled hair and stormed towards the exit with a dark frown.

And without anyone's awareness... Kim Taehyung fled the wedding to see Jang Sora. He couldn't find her until the rainstorm hit the city... and he ended up stepping out of his car in his suit with his soaked face tilted toward the looming building, surrounded by the dark clouds.

The alpha switched off his phone after receiving the explosive calls and texts from his family... and stormed inside the lobby to confront the supreme alpha about her past abortion.

He wanted closure. Kim Taehyung wanted to hear the words from Sora's lips before he married another woman because he thought it would put him at peace. But he was... nevertheless... still wrong about his love beliefs.

Jang Sora admitted to aborting their child, and upon hearing her cold claims... Kim Taehyung felt a piece of his soul breaking. Crack.

No matter what he did... he couldn't seem to free himself from the mistake he committed. And he realized love wasn't an easy sensation to neglect nor suppress, and there was no action he could undertake to resist the painful contractions within his chest.

And so, love became a permanent defect, embedding deep within his resilient soul, just as he feared.

He was never the same after acquiring the closure he desperately needed from his former lover. Kim Taehyung would often find himself blanking out at the thought of nothing. He'd randomly hear her voice in his ears and would even... sense her touch over his skin. Glimpses... after glimpses of their shared memories would emerge vividly before his eyes until he felt his chest tensing so much... it's as if he was going to burst from the pressure.

What troubled him the most was... the invisible rift between them despite being so close to one another. Sometimes, she was just an arm's length away and other times... she was right beside him, but it felt as if... There was a vast abyss separating them.

Kim Taehyung couldn't reach for her... no matter how close she was to him.

He missed everything about her. Her overflowing attention and quirky jokes... endlessly bothering him throughout the day with her childish character. Taehyung never really appreciated her immature behavior because the only time he felt like... he truly wanted her was... when they were having sex.

She'd stifle her voice and stare at him with her troubled expression whenever he was deeply penetrating her with his hardened private part.

Taehyung enjoyed handling her body because it was the only time she would behave maturely. The only moment... he viewed her as a woman was when she was fully naked beneath him. Her firm skin, perky breasts, toned body figure, and fleshy buttcheeks exposure would provoke his masculine impulse until he lost himself to the addictive taste of her body... and he would lust for her with his aroused nerves.

It was selfish of him to regard her only as a woman when her vulnerable unclothed body was restrained on the dirty mattress. But Kim Taehyung couldn't resist his desire and would tempt her to sleep with him because it was the only time he could fully love her as a woman and not as the childish girl he grew up with.

He hated her immaturity because it felt like he was grooming a child instead of having a proper woman by his side. Kim Taehyung desperately needed her to make him feel like a man, but she would never behave the way he desired and would make him feel... as if he were her personal caretaker.

And for that reason. Kim Taehyung kept having sex with her because it made him feel like a man with strong sexual skills to please their bodies.

Consequently, he held her accountable for his restricted masculinity... he'd attempt to get her body as dirty as he could with his scent, saliva, and semen... just so he could... mark her as his possession.

He is an asshole. He knew. But he was tired of constantly cradling her like a child, so he only thought with his dick. Never his heart... or mind.

In the end. Kim Taehyung succeeded in ruining Jang Sora's pureness for his desire to be a man. Jang Sora ultimately realized her worth, so she walked away from him... and he was left... with the burden of being the proper 'man'.

She no longer bothered him with her clinginess nor did she chirped in her usual high-pitched voice whenever she was around him. He no longer had to deal with her tantrums and reckless acts. He no longer had to eat her unhealthy creams and crumbs.

He finally had a proper woman by his side.

Chul Hwa-young. She was undeniably a graceful woman... with delicate courtesy and a highly esteemed reputation for her breathtaking beauty and family background. Hwa-young would dress up decently to match Taehyung's appearance, never embarrassing him before the public eye.

She'd always use formal honorifics, never expressing her complaints with Taehyung. Her postures, on all occasions, were perfected, even while standing, sleeping, or sitting. She was the ideal perfection Kim Taehyung had always desired.

Mature, beautiful, and disciplined.

A pure woman, desired by many men within the society regardless of her powerless status. She was everything Kim Taehyung wanted in a partner. A composed and liberated woman... who will make him an honorable man.

She's everything Jang Sora didn't have in her.

Yet Kim Taehyung wasn't satisfied with her flawless nature. He felt no chemistry with the perfect woman he desired. She was too stiff. Too stern. Too serious. Too sympathetic.

Hwa-young would agree with him on everything, and she'd conceal her radiant smile behind her fingers whenever she laughed. The alpha tried desperately to appreciate her best qualities, and he'd push himself to engage with her, but no matter what they did or spoke about... Taehyung's mind would replace her presence with his former lover.

Jang Sora would never cover her mouth while laughing and would show him her cute teeth and cheeky smile. Hwa-young would dress appropriately for every event, even during their causal date, but Sora? She'd sleepily walk around the mansion in her same worn-out silk gown.

Hwa-young would remain composed and respond calmly to every situation to uphold her squeaky-clean image... but Jang Sora would shriek, scream, whine, or make weird faces to communicate her emotions. Taehyung could always read her like an open book because she's an expressive soul. Meanwhile. Hwa-young... would never complain or disagree with Taehyung... even if she was unsatisfied.

Chul Hwa-young was the woman Kim Taehyung desired, yet he was never comfortable with her, and would often feel very uneasy and awkward because whatever Hwa-young did... it didn't interest him. There was nothing about her for him to dislike because she was undeniably flawless to the point... he became exhausted of her perfection.

Unlike Jang Sora, he'd always frown at her crazy attitude and maniac episodes... constantly trying to keep up with her wild sides, so Kim Taehyung was never really bored around her.

Only after spending time with Hwa-young... did Kim Taehyung gradually realize... he never hated Jang Sora's immaturity. He liked everything about her because she was the only person with the courage to challenge him.

Sora would never sit still and let him have everything his way, so in a sense... her continuous opposition helped Taehyung grow as a person. He learned to suppress his needs to satisfy her... and he understood that everything he did wasn't always correct because Sora would always ensure his awareness of her dissatisfaction.

Unlike Hwa-young... she'd let him off with everything, so Taehyung never knew if he was doing the right thing for her.

Kim Taehyung had to buy Chul Hwa-young gifts and take her out on expensive dates to keep her content. Everything he did... He had to carefully plan their time together to avoid upsetting the woman but with Sora? He didn't have to do anything. She'd smile just as brightly and would welcome him in her arms with his mere presence alone.

He did the bare minimum for Sora. And that was his greatest regret. What made him think she deserved the most minimal effort? Kim Taehyung hated himself for offering almost nothing from himself and would hold her accountable for the compulsory duties he fulfilled to secure her. That was the only excuse he had to justify his loyalty to her.

I protected you.

I grew up bearing the pain for you.

I'm the reason your household is stable.

I made the most sacrifices to ensure your survival.

It was the only excuse he could bring up to guilt-trip her. Taehyung never handled their relationship problems appropriately and would use the same justifications to drive her crazy with his so-called sacrifice. It should've been them versus the problem... but Taehyung always made her a figure to challenge and defeat... as if she was his greatest enemy in the game, and would even attempt to tame her as if she was a feral animal when she was fact just another... broken soul.

Jang Sora was his lover. Not an enemy to slaughter.

Flashback

Kim Taehyung waved at six-year-old Jang Sora as he stood by her school gate once he found her strolling through the exit in her cute pink bag and neatly braided hair. Sora's sullen expression immediately brightened up upon noticing Taehyung waiting for her by the entrance, so she skipped forward, happily jogging towards him while swinging her lunchbox back and forth. The alpha held out his arm for the little girl to retrieve her bag. He flung the strap over his shoulder to bear the weight of her study materials before grabbing her lunch box to carry her belongings so she could freely walk by his side.

"Is Jungkook home?" Sora cutely asked as she gripped Taehyung's shirt while walking down the soaked sidewalk after the rainstorm passed over the city.

"Yeah. Jungkook should be home," Taehyung nodded and walked forward. Sora slightly loosened her small grip on Taehyung's shirt and slowed her pace to let him walk ahead of her. Taehyung cluelessly strolled forward until he noticed her absence, so he turned around to find the young girl... standing before a small puddle with a slight grimace.

"What's the matter?" Taehyung asked, halting to stare at the young heir. Sora glanced at her pretty sparkly shoes, and cute pink socks, and back up at Taehyung.

"It's my favorite shoes," She pouted. The young heir didn't want to ruin her princess heels.

"Just jump over the puddle," Taehyung smiled. She stubbornly shook her head and stepped back. Sora is determined to keep her shoes clean.

"I hate the dirty water and the mud~!" She whined, refusing to stroll forward. Taehyung sighed at her rosy cheeks and tearful puppy eyes as he walked back towards her.

"Don't be a spoiled brat! We can just wash our shoes-"

"No! I hate the rain! I hate the mud! I hate puddles! It'll ruin my pretty sparkles!" She shrieked while thumping her glittering shoes over the sidewalk with her balled fists and a cute frown. Taehyung grimaced at her childish attitude and lowered his body in defeat.

"Get on my back. You whiny dumpling~!" He snapped. Sora pouted and stepped forward to climb Taehyung's back. The older alpha secured her legs and stood up, carefully stepping over the puddles as she demanded, so she giggled and clung to his neck as he carried her backpack over his chest.

"You're the best, oppa~!" Sora chuckled, softly pecking his cheek. Kim Taehyung was initially frustrated... but broke into a weak smile as she repeatedly kissed his cheek to thank him for his sacrifice.

"You're not a god, so learn to get your feet dirty," He grimaced.

"Never~!" Sora shook her head while wiggling her dangling sparkly shoes on Taehyung's side.

Taehyung sideway glanced at her plump cheeks as she rested her chin on his shoulder and climbed the hill until they arrived at the private mansion. Jang Sora immediately lowered herself by the door and rushed inside the mansion in her clean clothes and shoes as Taehyung took off his muddy sneakers by the doorway. He hugged her bag and climbed the stairs to put it in her room before heading to his room to wash the dried mud from his ankles.

End of flashback.

Kim Taehyung deeply inhaled while leaning against the steering wheel with his dim eyes fixed on Jang Sora, who was strolling down a slope with an average guy and a small child. The supreme alpha softly chuckled on the sidewalk as she lifted the boy off the path to step over a puddle as her work friend chatted with her. The alpha drifted his gaze after her until she entered the mart with the orphan and her friend.

Jang Sora is very humble by nature. She'd immediately drop everything to assist those in need. She'd never express her dissatisfaction, especially around the average people. She'd fit right in with them and get herself dirty, but Taehyung knew... she's spoiled by nature. She might be unaware, but Jang Sora will always seek the highest kind of... pampering. Taehyung blinked once he noticed Sora bending down to wipe her white sneakers by the mart's doorway with a tissue. She grimaced at the stain and aggressively rubbed it clean.

He missed her after she moved out of the mansion, so he'd drive all the way to Daegu now and then... to watch her wander around the area with the same bowl-cut kid and her work friends. Jeon Jungkook would sometimes escort her around the place... but Taehyung never revealed himself to her. He only watched her from afar because he didn't want to ruin her day with his unpleasant presence.

A moment later

Kim Taehyung drunkenly strolled inside the mansion at around 3:00 AM after returning from the exhausting trip to Daegu and strode inside the living room to slump on the couch. He gripped the cushion and stretched his sore legs while resting face first until he noticed another person sitting opposite from him in the dark space.

"You have a general meeting tomorrow, yet you're wasted at 3:00 AM?" Mrs. Jang scoffed as she sat with her cup of tea. Kim Taehyung dully stared at the elderly woman's dim eyes and turned to lay on his back.

"I went to see Sora," He muttered.

"She shouldn't be your concern-"

"She's a forgiving soul, isn't she?" Taehyung asked while staring at the dark chandelier above his head.

"Don't even think of-"

"If I get on my knees and beg her for forgiveness. She'll forgive me, right?" Taehyung asked quietly. Mrs. Jang didn't respond right away and narrowed her eyes on the helpless alpha as he stared at the ceiling in deep dejection.

"Fulfill your duty and marry Hwa-young to secure the Chul. You've already promised to marry the Chul's daughter, so don't initiate trouble for the household. Sora will live well without you. Stop bothering her with your false affection," Mrs. Jang sighed, getting up to stroll away, leaving her empty cup behind on the coffee table. Taehyung sighed heavily and closed his eyes in defeat.

He's at a dead end... entangled in his own distressing thoughts and emotions.

End of all Flash Back.

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Present

Sora's POV

Humming softly, I twisted and turned before the reflection of myself in the mirror while slipping a dress over my body to inspect my figure. Yangcha smiled while watching me dance before the mirror as he manspread at the foot of the bed with his arms pressed on the mattress to support his sturdy trunk.

"What do you think?" I asked, twirling before the mirror to show him the thin-strap purple dress.

"Everything looks stunning on you," Yangcha shrugged as he watched me from behind. I chuckled and turned to look at him as he sat shirtless in his boxer. Yangcha weakly smiled at my tidy appearance, so I walked up to him in the dress and crawled onto his lap. He softly chuckled as I circled my arms around his neck and lowered my face to gaze at his deep brown eyes.

"Do you want to attend the event with me?" I asked as he held onto my waist. Yangcha smiled while rubbing my waistline.

"I might get you in trouble again," He shook his head. I pouted at his rejection, causing him to chuckle. Yangcha tilted his head to press his lips against mine until I broke into a soft smile. I pulled him in by his nape to deepen our kiss until I felt his hand rubbing my inner thighs, so I slightly rubbed my sensitive crotch over his bulge to set our bodies in the mood as we kissed until he moaned softly against my lips.

A moment later.

"Hngh~!" I moaned heavily with my lips ajar. Yangcha gently bounced my buttcheeks over his lap as I sat facing him with my lips pressed against his until I felt his warm semen oozing between my legs. Yangcha grunted in distress and clutched my waist tightly, so I hugged his neck with my flustered face pressed against his shoulder.

"You have to shower again," He muttered while rubbing my back to soothe my body after I orgasmed in the dress with a loose strap... dangling off my left shoulder, revealing a side of my moist breast. I tightened my grip around his neck, shuddering in satisfaction while hugging him in the sitting position with my eyes on the bullet scar on his back. Smiling, I traced my finger over the raised bump of his skin.

"I'm running late," I chuckled, finally pulling away to peck his lips.

Yangcha held my hand to support me as I got off his naked thighs, so quickly scurried inside the bathroom with the mess between my legs. I washed the sticky paste away with the showerhead before it dripped down my legs, and finally exited the bathroom to find Yangcha wiping himself clean with the tissues as he sat on my bed.

"Aren't you going to shower?" Yangcha asked while eyeing my slightly moist skin from the aftermath of the heated intercourse as I slipped off the dress and pulled on a formal knee-length tweed set before the mirror.

"I want to leave your scent on my body. Besides, I look really pretty with a flushed face. Don't you think? You gave me the natural blush," I chuckled, pointing to my rosy red cheeks. Yangcha chuckled at my dirty statement while rubbing his burning face with a weak smile as I zipped my dress and turned to brush my messy hair back into its proper position.

"People might suspect your scent," He smiled.

"I'll bring a piece of you with me wherever I go~!" I shrugged. Yangcha chuckled, got off the bed to pull on his boxers, and walked up to me as I pulled on my medium nude heels. Smiling, I turned to hug him as he held onto my waist. Yangcha quietly searched my eyes and leaned his face beside my ear.

"I'll wait for you," He whispered, gently kissing my earlobe. I giggled and smacked his chest to resist his teasing behavior. Yangcha rubbed his bright red chest with a wide grin and finally released me, so I waved at him and quickly strolled out of my bedroom.

Big man was waiting to escort me into the building's lobby, so I hurried towards him and left with the man to attend the academy's ceremony. Yangcha immediately sent a text with a picture of his pouty face, making me giggle at his playful selfie, and sent him a heart sticker. Do-hwan bitterly frowned at my soft chuckles and glanced back at the road.

"Are you seriously marrying him?" Do-hwan asked. I shifted my attention from the phone to meet his stern eyes through the mirror.

"Why? Do you oppose it?" I asked with my eyebrow raised.

"Your taste in men is progressively worsening. That's all I'm saying," He shrugged as he stopped by the traffic light.

"Hey?!- Don't be mean! Yangcha is a good man!" I scoffed, offended by the man's insult.

"Yeah. He's only good to you. It's rather suspicious," Do-hwan grumbled. I glared at the man in annoyance.

"I don't care. I'm happy with him," I shrugged. Do-hwan sighed and drove forward after the lights turned green.

"All the men you've dated are messed up, but him? He's the worst of them all," Do-hwan replied.

"It's not like anyone is truly innocent," I shrugged. I'll never find a good man because a purely good person will never exist. Everyone is bad in a sense, so I'll just choose an imperfect man who is good to me.

"What's so special about him though? Jae Yangcha. Indulge me. I'm very much curious and concerned about my young lady's... rather strange preference in men," Do-hwan smirked as he steered the wheel. I grimaced at his smug expression and glanced out the window.

"He's loyal and will kill for me. I like it. His devotion. And he's physically hotter than every other man in the society," I shrugged. Do-hwan chuckled and shook his head.

"You like the big boys, huh? Careful there... my lady... he might crush your frail body with his strength. No one can tame a wild beast. Not even its master," Do-hwan teased. I glared at the big man as he funnily eyed me through the mirror and huffed in discontent.

"I'm not taming him," I muttered.

"It seems like you don't need a bodyguard anymore. Should I resign? You should use your scary boyfriend privilege to scare off your enemies. He's a certified killer," Do-hwan chuckled.

"Big man! Do you have a death wish!?" I snapped in annoyance. Do-hwan chuckled at my stern glare and shook his head.

"He's been following you around. The university. The organization. The charity events and even the corporation. He's giving me too much obsessive energy, and obsession is never good Sora. I am very concerned about his peculiar devotion to you," Do-hwan sighed. I pursed my lips and glanced at Yangcha's continuous texts on my phone.

"So? You and Taehyung always track my whereabouts-"

"Because we're concerned about your safety. Jae Yangcha lurks in the dark... as if to attack the people around you. He might not be a threat to you, but he might attack those around you," Do-hwan sighed. I dismissively rolled my eyes as we entered the university premises and finally stepped out of the car without Do-hwan's assistance to find Taehyung mounting his giant black bike.

"Oh? You're back on the wheels again?" I asked, approaching Taehyung with a weak smile. Taehyung took off his helmet as he stood in his black leather jacket.

"The engine will fail if I don't use it," Taehyung shrugged. I smiled and walked by his side to enter the university. We're on good terms again. Taehyung doesn't approve of my relationship either... but he never really bothered me about it anymore. And I didn't want to have bad ties with him... so I figured we should settle our long-term dispute.

The auditorium bustled loudly as the students and professors chattered within the room until they noticed my presence. The noises within the venue abruptly died down upon my arrival, and the atmosphere suddenly grew tense. Every prying eyes... shifted to me as I strolled beside Taehyung, who glanced at me with an uneasy look upon receiving the dreadful stares from different directions. I shrugged, settled in the front row with Taehyung and crossed my legs.

The school principal finally stepped onto the stage to speak about the previous year's thesis competition. He praised Taehyung and me for our hard work and dedication to accomplish our mission. I smiled and nodded at the man.

"Jang Sora," The principal announced the winner of the academic year.

I honestly expected the room to erupt with deafening cheers and applause, but the hall remained noiseless. My chest uneasily stirred as I rose to my feet to find the professors and a few alphas clapping for me.

Everyone else... remained unresponsive in their seats. They're seriously... treating me this way? Tsk. I rolled my eyes and strolled onto the stage to receive the crystal trophy from the professor. The man gave me a firm handshake, so I cleared my throat and glanced at the dead crowd before me. Oh... look at those... dead stares. I'm so intimidated~!- Pfff! How ridiculous!

"Thank you for attending the occasion today, even if you knew I'd be the winner," I smiled. The crowd scoffed at my arrogant statement, so I smirked and strolled off the stage with the trophy, causing the principal to clear his throat nervously with the unnerving reaction to my achievement.

"Congratulations," Sungho smiled as he approached me.

I was about to respond to him when the hall suddenly erupted, and everyone got up from their seat without greeting me to exit the room. I sighed and strolled out of the auditorium when someone suddenly bumped into me and strode off. I gasped and turned in confusion as people kept walking into me. No one apologized and walked off with a poker face.

"Bitch-"

"Fucking whore-"

"Rot in hell-"

Thud. I slammed hard into a solid locker door when someone purposely shoved me aside. Fuck!?- Another person firmly grabbed onto my arm to stabilize my balance, so I swallowed and lowered my head to thank the man before directing my resentful glare at Mira, who was glaring at me. Why did she shove me!? Does she have a death wish!?

"Yah-" I seethed, trying to confront her when the crowd suddenly gasped before me.

Everyone stopped moving as they stood paralyzed with their petrified eyes wide open. I paused and glanced at the terrified crowd unsurely as they stared past me. What's with them...? Mira's pupils flashed in fear as she slowly shifted her attention behind me... so I slowly turned around in confusion to find... Jae Yangcha... towering over me with a dark scowl.

The principal and the professor's jaws dropped in disbelief as the former alpha stood in his all-black outfit with a cap secured over his head to hide his visible scar. No one dared to budge but gawk at his shocking presence until he slowly took off his cap... and shifted his dangerous gaze to the crowd of students. A sweep of chills suddenly filled the corridor as he loomed over me.

"Apologize to her," Yangcha spoke calmly, shifting his deadly eyes to Lee Mira. The alpha gulped and glanced at the startled crowd with her fist clenched. What is he doing here!?

"How dare you step inside the academy after murdering-"

"I said... apologize to her," Yangcha gritted, suddenly stepping forward to shorten the space between him and Mira. My heart began racing in fear as the crowd kept their frightened attention on Yangcha.

"Y-Yangcha-"

"Apologize!" Yangcha snarled, furiously stepping forward with his blazing red eyes. I grabbed his forearm to stop him from inching closer to Mira, who was unblinkingly glaring at him.

"Please leave the school premises. You're forbidden from entering the academy. I'll have to call the guards to escort you if you don't cooperate," The principal sternly spoke up to break up the tension. I nervously glanced at Yangcha's dark expression and back at the dense crowd as he firmly stood his ground with his deadly stare on Mira.

"Let's go-"

"Touch a fucking strand of her hair again, and I'll fucking rip out your fucking throat!" Yangcha sneered at Mira. He hastily grabbed my wrist and dragged me out of the corridor, so I gasped and stumbled after him.

"What in the fucking madness are you doing here!?" Do-hwan roared, angrily storming towards Yangcha once he spotted the alpha pulling me through the entrance door.

"Get out- Fuck?!-" Yangcha tried to shove Do-hwan aside but was immediately cut short when the guard flung his fist at his jaw. I gasped in shock as Yangcha stumbled to the side at the rough impact. Do-hwan tried to grab me, but I quickly yank my wrist back.

"S-Stop! You didn't have to hit him!" I snapped at Do-hwan as I protectively drew Yangcha behind my back, who was rubbing his bruised jaw in resentment. Do-hwan huffed in anger upon my defensive reaction and glanced at Yangcha's flaring nostrils as Taehyung jogged out of the entrance with a bewildered look.

"Why would you step inside the academy?! You know it'll cause Sora's trouble-"

"Should I have stood aside and watched them push her around!?" Yangcha snapped back at Do-hwan, who scoffed in disbelief. The man fired me a piercing glare as I firmly stood between them.

"She can fucking handle the problem herself! The last thing you should do is put her in a difficult position for defending you fucking murderous piece of shit!" Do-hwan bellowed, fiercely stepping forward, so I tensed my body and slightly held Yangcha back as he stood behind my back with a blank expression.

"Do-hwan-"

"Enough. Both of you. Leave right now. The school is growing restless," Taehyung exhaled as he calmly strode toward us with a dark frown. Yangcha snapped his head towards Taehyung and back at Do-hwan's glowering glare.

"Let's leave," I sighed, cautiously steering Yangcha away from Do-hwan to prevent a fight from breaking out between them, and we left together through the main gate. Yangcha and I took a taxi back to the penthouse... and we were pretty much silent... on our journey home.

A moment later.

"Noona-"

"Don't touch me," I muttered, slightly jerking my arm out of his grip when Yangcha tried to reach for me. The alpha scanned my face with a troubled frown upon my hasty withdrawal.

"I was just-"

"I need a moment alone," I sternly stared at him.

Yangcha clenched his jaw at my poker face, let out a shaky exhale, and stepped back with a slight frown, so I turned around and entered my bedroom to cool down my steaming head. I wanted to scream at Yangcha out of frustration, but I knew I couldn't risk upsetting him.

Yangcha didn't bother me for the rest of the day, so I left the penthouse to meet Taehyung at the corporation and then returned home again a little past 9:00 PM. Yangcha was asleep on the couch upon my arrival. I quietly entered my bedroom again to shower, changed into my gown, and finally strolled out to cook dinner in the kitchen.

Fuck!? I slightly jerked by the stove once I found Yangcha leaning against the counter with a gloomy face. He was blankly staring at the spatula in my hand while watching me cook without uttering a word, so I exhaled to calm my racing heart and stirred the meals until it was ready. I placed the plates on the counter, a bowl, and a chopstick for Yangcha... and finally settled down opposite him to have the warm meal.

Still, we didn't speak and quietly ate the food under the warm kitchen light. Yangcha kept his downcast eyes on his rice bowl and listlessly ate until we finished the meal. I cleared the table, did the dishes, and finally brushed my teeth before settling on the bed as Yangcha watched TV in the living room.

The alpha suddenly opened the door with his wary gaze on me after he switched off the television. I pretended not to notice the guilt on his face and loosened my hair while sitting on the bed. Is he upset...? What should I do?

He lowered his head again upon my neglect, closed the door behind his back, and slowly walked towards me. The alpha pouted as I unsurely studied his sulky behavior, slowly lowering his body by the bedside until he was... kneeling on the floor as I remained on the bed. I paused to stare at him as he sat composedly with his hands clasped over his lap and legs tucked under his weight.

"What are you doing...?" I asked, utterly baffled as he knelt before me.

"Are you upset with me?" Yangcha asked, lifting his tearful eyes. I frowned at his pitiful condition.

"Don't do this. You're making me uncomfortable-"

"Noona- I'm sorry! I-I really didn't mean to upset you!" Yangcha gasped, grabbing my hand to stop me when I tried to get up from the mattress. I sighed in defeat upon witnessing his anxious reaction and blankly observed the genuine remorse on his face. I shouldn't avoid him. Yangcha tightened his grip around my hand... softly whimpering on the floor... but didn't dare cry.

"Get up. I seriously don't like this," I muttered, lightly patting the mattress.

Yangcha nodded obediently and quickly got up to sit beside me but wouldn't release my hand and clutched tightly onto my fingers. What should I do with him...? I sadly stared at his flushed cheeks and tearful glassy pupils with a heavy heart.

"I only wanted to see you with the trophy-"

"How long have you been doing it? Following me around? You'd always tell me you're home but would show up at the most unexpected times," I sighed with a slight frown. Yangcha lowered his face to blink away his tears and remained hushed.

"I'm afraid... someone might hurt you again and that I won't be there on time to save you," He muttered. Yangcha didn't lift his face, so I grimaced and tapped his chin to make him look at me. A tear stream flowed from the corner of his eyes, causing my chest to stir in pain. Why is he crying? I gently wiped his tears and lowered my hand to hold his firm jaw with a troubled grimace.

"You have to understand that you can't freely wander around. Especially not to the places... you were involved with in the past. The academy... is definitely the site you should avoid. You will only infuriate the society further with your unwanted presence, so until you're ready to face them... please... just stay here. At the penthouse. You're safe here," I lowered my face to stare at his puppy eyes. Yangcha shifted his beaten gaze away and pursed his lips in discontent.

"I know I'm an embarrassment... a disgrace. I'll be careful from now on," Yangcha mumbled, averting his burning eyes to me again. I sorely shook my head, gently pulling him into a comforting hug, so Yangcha tightly hugged my waist and lowered his face to press his nose against my shoulder.

"No. You're my pride. I'm trying to protect you, so please... listen to me. Hmm...? Don't cry," I muttered while rubbing his prickly roots. Yangcha sniffled against me as he tightened his arms around my body. So I sighed and lowered my hand to pat his back.

"Okay," He replied, pulling away from me. I gently dab his cheek to dry his tears, so he leaned forward to peck my lips. Smiling, I kissed him back until he pulled away to embrace me again.

I was very much upset with his reckless decision to make his thoughtless appearance at the university. But I didn't want to fight with Yangcha over the matter. He listens well, so I remained calm and chose to speak with him instead of lashing out in the heat of my anger. It'll only hurt his feelings if I scream at him... and I definitely do not wish to provoke his suppressed evil. I'm afraid... I'll bring out his unstoppable killer instinct if I hurt his feelings, so it's best... to assure him of my affection.

Hopefully, it's enough to keep him calm and composed.

__________________________

The Elite Council

Jae Yangcha smugly lifted his face from the contract transfer document with excessive pride and glanced at Kim Seokjin's expressionless face after he signed away his name on the files and composedly placed the pen down. The entire council remained stiff in their seats with their dim eyes on Jae Yangcha after he successfully seized Kim Seokjin's lost contract.

The elders within the conference room anxiously eyed each other as the young alpha submitted the document to the moderator, who stiffly accepted the new contract ownership. Kim Seokjin was forced to surrender his confiscated contracts to Jae Yangcha under the attempted murder allegation. The alpha finally revealed the hidden USB he used to store the second-rank's power.

"Thank you for the warm welcome. I look forward to cooperating with the council," Jae Yangcha smiled, politely bowing before the ring of deadly alphas, and lifted his dark eyes to intimidate the households with a slight smile. Not a single alpha could resist him because Yangcha had charged them with being primary murder accomplices in his deliberate attack during Jang Sora's birthday party.

Anyone within the room could sense the alpha's contagious and destructive energy... after the silent killer successfully integrated into the society as a high-status second rank. Kim Seokjin remained blank in his seat. He didn't blink or budge his muscles. Jeon Jungkook resentfully crossed his arms as Jimin clenched his jaw. Min Yoongi glanced at Jung Hoseok's pale expression as Kim Namjoon clenched his jaw upon the alpha's official rank transition in the game.

The Black Jaguar was now... the highest second-rank alpha... withholding immense power in the council after he orchestrated the entire power game to get the households clashing with each other.

The corrupted superiority of the dead alpha... expanding dangerously beneath the society chessboard and paralyzing those within its reach with its menacing evil and rooting deep into the power game with its assertive dominance.

Kim Seokjin might've succeeded in courting the council on his side to resist the supreme alpha but with Jae Yangcha's presence... Jang Sora is once again... untouchable. Even her alliance combined isn't powerful enough to defy Jae Yangcha's contribution in the game to sustain the supreme alpha.

Kim Taehyung firmly crossed his arms over his chest, slightly narrowing his eyes on the silent killer with a suspicious gaze before glancing at the muted supreme alpha. Jang Sora sat blankly with her gaze on her powerful lover, slightly smirking with her head lowered. She shifted her sharp gaze to Kim Seokjin, who remained unbothered in his seat after his power was stolen.

Snap.

Kim Taehyung realized something. He quickly shifted his eyes to Jae Yangcha and back to Kim Seokjin's almost... smug expression. The alpha glanced back at Jang Sora with an unsettling feeling as he thought about the potential strategic... scheme to achieve greater power.

Kim Seokjin had successfully lured out the... Black Jaguar... from its cave.

Jae Yangcha has finally stepped down from the higher ground and joined the pack of wolves... to stand by the outcasted supreme alpha's side... fully exposed to the bloody ring of powerful households.

_______________________

Sora's POV

The uniformed staff by the door slightly bowed at me as I strolled inside the lavish lounge filled with familiar faces on the entertainment screen in my sparkly golden sequin dress and high heels. The lounge was crowded with top-grade celebrities ranging from actors, idols, artists, DJs, and popular influencers as they chattered over their glasses of expensive champagne. The men and women immediately paused mid-sentence and glanced at me as I strolled inside the room until a handsome man beamed at my presence and approached me in his high-end tailored suit.

"Sora~ You're so stunning tonight~!" Lee Seojun greeted, extending his arms to offer a warm hug. The well-known individuals eyed me up and down in curiosity.

"Congratulations on your movie premiere," I smiled at the superstar as a mainstream male idol observed my dress beside a top-notch actress, who was attentively eyeing the rare pearls around my neck.

"Ah. Hera. And Byul... this is Jang Sora. Philanthropy's founder," Seojun smiled at his friends.

"Anneonghaseyo," I greeted them.

"So you're the beauty with a brain?" Byul, the idol scoffed with a captivating smile.

"Isn't that... the Baroda pearl necklace?" Hera lifted her eyebrow, slightly stunned by the double strands around my neck, securely clasped with a diamond pendant.

"Ah. It was a gift," I smiled at the famous actress.

Hera nodded in disinterest and flipped her long glossy hair while eyeing the other guests in the room as they kept their keen attention on us. She's a bit snobbish, unlike her television personality. She's obviously uncomfortable because I was wearing a jewel more expensive than her three million dollar necklace, which is lent by the jewel brand. After all, she's the ambassador. And what's with the idol man? He keeps gawking at my cleavage with his shameless monolid eyes. He's usually the sweet and bright artist on stage but a perverted freak here?

"Actually. I organized this special gathering especially for you, so I could finally introduce you to my friends," Seojun chuckled, nodding at the curious-looking entertainers.

"What an honor," I smiled at the guests.

"Your organization's social status is skyrocketing. It's a good sign. We can promote your campaign. Your sales will boost by ten folds with our appearance," The idol man suggested, keenly leaning forward to offer his promotion.

"Ah. But I'm operating a non-profit organization. I'm not selling a product or service to be promoted," I calmly shot down the idol's offer. Seojun cleared his throat awkwardly as the idol's cheeks flushed red upon my direct rejection.

"Oh. Sora. I got you a gift. I recently went on a tour in America... and I thought... this will suit you well," Seojun suddenly reached inside his pocket to retrieve a jewel box. He popped it open to reveal a limited edition designer clover necklace. Hera glanced at me and fired Seojun a bitter look.

"Thank you for the thoughtful gift," I smiled and reached out for the box, only to have someone else snatch it from Seojun's hand, so I turned to find Yangcha standing behind me with a slight smile. Seojun paused, immediately shifting his offended stare to the alpha.

"I'll keep it safe for her," Yangcha smiled at the superstar. Hera's face flushed red upon Yangcha's presence... and she suddenly appeared more interested. The idol man tilted his head upward to inspect Yangcha, who was a foot taller than him and glanced at me with a questioning look.

"Ah~ You brought your bodyguard along?" Seojun chuckled, brightly beaming at me.

"Oh. Right. I should properly introduce myself. I'm Jae Yangcha. Sora's boyfriend," Yangcha smiled, placing out his hand with a slight smile. Seojun blinked with a startled look and glanced at me before placing out his hand to hold the alpha's hand. Yangcha tightly gripped the man's palm and firmly shook it, causing Seojun to clench his jaw in discomfort.

"You never told me... you had a boyfriend," Seojun chuckled uneasily while eyeing the guests around us in embarrassment. I smiled and clung to Yangcha's arm as he stood beside me with a smug smile.

"It's my first time announcing our relationship publicly," I giggled. Yangcha smiled and glanced at Hera, who was eyeing his buff body with her eager fox eyes. She unconsciously touched her neck and avoided his dark gaze once she was caught checking him out.

"What's your occupation?" The idol bluntly asked while eyeing Yangcha with doubtful looks.

"I'm her personal assistant," Yangcha smiled. Seojun clenched his jaw in discontent but didn't dare express his dissatisfaction and glanced at his timid-looking friends. The guests awkwardly stared at Seojun, who seemed a bit embarrassed, so he kept rubbing his nose and sucking in his inner cheeks.

Apparently, Seojun planned on proposing to be my boyfriend before the famous individuals. But I knew beforehand, so I brought Yangcha along to subtly decline his request. The superstar was obviously embarrassed by the situation as his friends gave him awkward glances. He must've confidently told them he could court me. Why else would he be so flustered?

A moment later.

"Pfft. That was the most boring party I've ever attended," Yangcha chuckled as we strolled out of the building while holding my waist.

"Don't be mean," I nudged his shoulder as Yangcha held the car door open for me, so I lifted my dress and stepped inside.

"I expected entertainers like them to be much more interesting, but they're all the same. Gatherings at the private lounge to drink, show off and do basic shits with their prideful nature over a glass of expensive liquor. They're only interesting on the artificial screens," Yangcha muttered. I chuckled as he slowly drove out of the property.

"Hera seems to admire you," I muttered.

"A woman who sold her soul to chaebol men and officials for fame and banknotes? She doesn't interest me," Yangcha shrugged.

"So you'd rather prefer a boring person like me? At least she's very attractive and popular. She's desired by the mass," I smiled. Yangch freed one hand from the steering wheel to interlace his fingers with mine as he drove out of the city.

"Pretty faces can be bought with money. Anyone can look pretty once they lay on the operation table and undergo the surgeries, but a beautiful soul like yours? Only exists once in a lifetime. You'll always be a goddess to me," Yangcha smiled, gently raising my hand to kiss it, making me smile at his romantic gesture. I patted our interlaced hand and glanced at the dark street as Yangcha drove me out of the city.

A moment later.

Yangcha held the car door open after an hour's drive, and I finally stepped out in my dress with a curious smile to stand on a vast pavement. I blinked at a helicopter... parked before me with my parted lips, unsurely glancing at Yangcha for explanations until he placed out his hand with a weak smile.

"May I grant you a short break from the world?" He asked, proudly beaming at me. I glanced at the brightly lit property as a few staff waited by the helicopter. What's this? He wants to take me up to the sky?!

"I'll give up the world for you, remember?" I smiled, placing my hand in his.

Yangcha smiled in delight and clutched my hand. He turned towards the helicopter, so I strolled beside him as the staff greeted us with their polite courtesy. Seriously?! A helicopter!? This is so unexpected! I thought he planned an ordinary dinner date for us!

"You're not afraid of height, right?" Yangcha asked. I smiled and shook my head.

"I fear nothing when you're holding me like this," I giggled, lifting our interlaced hands to shake it before his face. The pilot smiled at our sweet interaction and stepped aside, so Yangcha grabbed my waist and lifted me into the aircraft.

I pulled the provided gears over my ears as he slipped in beside me. This is my first time going on a date in a helicopter! Eomma would never let me do this without proper security measures, but I don't care!!! I nervously smiled at Yangcha as the pilot got in his seat to prepare for take-off as we buckled our seatbelts.

The loud helicopter engine suddenly roared to life until my body stiffened in against the seat as I glanced out the transparent door. My frail heart started thumping against my chest for no reason, and I suddenly felt very anxious. Yangcha placed his arm around my shoulder to hold me. Badum! I bit my lips to stop myself from grinning too wide as we slowly elevated off the ground... and soared into the dark night sky.

"This is scary!" I softly whimpered, scooting closer to him as I watched us ascend high above the helipad below until the staff turned into tiny people.

Yangcha chuckled at my rising anxiety and hugged my head against his cheek, so I turned to clutch his thick neck until he laughed at my timid response to the deadly height and lowered his head to kiss my forehead. Ah! This is fucking scary! My heart started pounding harder the higher we hovered, so I whined, tore my eyes away from the opening, fearfully clinging to his shoulders in extreme fright.

"You'll love it! I promise!" Yangcha chuckled while patting my back.

I briefly yelped to release the fear from my chest as the windy breeze swarmed the helicopter. Ah! I might pee my panties~! Yangcha gently rubbed my shoulder with his nose pressed against my hair, so I nervously glanced at the opening again after we successfully took off. I refused to release his sturdy body and gripped tightly onto him with my fearful gaze on the darkness below us as the helicopter drifted through the cold night.

"What's the occasion?" I asked, lifting my face to smile at him. Yangcha rubbed my cheek and lowered his face to assure me with a soft peck.

"You'll see," He smiled, pulling away from my lips. I chuckled and glanced out the exposed window again, persistently clinging to his shoulder with my lips pursed.

Yangcha secured his arms around my waist and held me firmly against him until my thumping heartbeat grew steady... and my mind suddenly grew hushed as I stared at the twinkling lights below us. I can see the mountain and forest silhouettes... and it's freaking beautiful!

The chilly breeze subtly grazed against my face and exposed skin until I slightly shivered... so I snuggled against Yangcha's chest and tilted my head to admire his gentle gaze on the scenery below us. How did I get so lucky...? He was always by my side all this time... and I've repeatedly failed to acknowledge him. I lifted my face to peck his cheek and hugged him again until the helicopter soared over the beach.

"We're at the beach?!" I gasped, curiously leaning forward to gawk at the shore below us.

Yangcha possessively held my waist to hold me back as I eagerly peeked downward. It was a little past midnight, but people were still playing with the fireworks on the shallow shore. Spark. Spark. The colorful beams exploded over the seashore as we flew over the crowd.

The helicopter steadily flew over the dark waves, so I curiously watched the bright seashore and smiled widely until I noticed a massive luminous yacht... floating over the calm sea surface, not too far from the shore.

I slowly released Yangcha's shoulders, flabbergasted by the magnificent vessel as I stared at what looked like... glowing light decorations on the spacious helipad area below us. The helicopter cautiously hovered over the parking space over the yacht... and we slowly descended downward. I gripped onto Yangcha's forearm without breathing... and thud. The helicopter safely landed, and the swirling wings above eventually ceased, causing the turbulent wind to die down.... leaving me a bit dazed by the terrifying yet fascinating ride.

I lifted my head off Yangcha's chest and glanced at the luminous opening with puzzled senses as Yangcha took off my gears and unbuckled my seatbelt. I repeatedly blinked with a completely empty mind. What's going on...? Yangcha stepped out of the helicopter, grabbed my hips, and helped me down so I held onto his shoulders until he settled me onto the ground.

"What's this? A yacht...?" I asked, unsurely scanning the dark sea before us as the salty sea breeze filled my nostrils.

Yangcha lightly took my hand, so I unconsciously followed him down the stairs while observing the jaw-dropping interior until I found myself... stepping over the red rose petals on the wooden floor. I huffed in excitement and glanced at Yangcha as he led me to the open deck decorated with all kinds of flowers and twinkling candlelights. I glanced at the pretty blooming flowers and looked up at Yangcha again as he stood over me with a subtle smile while holding both my hands.

"What do you think is the occasion?" He asked. I blinked at him and glanced at the apparently super-obvious decorations around us.

"Hmm... you want to be my legal sugar baby...?" I replied, fighting the urge to stop myself from laughing.

Yangcha chuckled cutely and tilted his face towards the sky in disbelief. Grinning widely, he bit his lips and lowered his tender gaze to my weak smile. He released my hand and slowly knelt down before me on the stable vessel, so I pursed my lips and slightly stepped backward as he pulled out a small velvet case. Pop. He opened it to reveal an oval-shaped diamond ring.

"I promised you the world, but this is only the beginning of it all. So, as for now. Jang Sora, will you marry me?" Yangcha proposed. I pursed my lips with my fond gaze on the glimmering ring until warm tears swelled over my pupils.

"Give me the world," I nodded, placing my left hand for him as my heart churned intensely. Yangcha smiled and slipped the diamond ring onto my ring finger. He quickly stood up, so I opened my arms to embrace his firm hips until I felt my soft heart melting with his affection. He's so... romantic! I can't believe he prepared all of this for me?!

The alpha fastened his arms around my waist, hugging me tightly before the dark sea until I pouted at the intensity of my churning chest. Yangcha gently rocked me from side to side as the mild sea breeze brushed our skin with its humid current when- BOOM. My eyes lit up brightly at the unanticipated bright flickers above our heads. Yangcha quickly pulled away with an excited smile as the fireworks exploded in the sky, so I pursed my lips and stared up at the beautiful scenery in tears. Sniffle.

"Why are you crying?!" Yangcha gasped when I suddenly burst out crying like a crybaby as the colorful sparkles illuminated above us. BOOM! BOOM!

"It's traumatizing! The fireworks!" I whimpered, turning to pout at him. Yangcha's face drained in horror at my adverse reaction, so he briefly looked up at the sky again.

"Araso! Araso! No more fireworks!" Yangcha gasped, pulling me into a tight hug as he signaled the staff to halt the explosion. I shakily held onto his body and sobbed in distress as the disturbing memories filled my head. I don't want to remember it! The night he almost died under the stupid fireworks!

"I don't like fireworks~!" I whined, causing Yangcha to break into uncontrollable laughter. He grabbed my waist to pull me against him, so I sobbed and hugged his neck as he lowered himself to hold me.

"Ah~ I will die from your cuteness~! Stop crying!" He teased, funnily pulling away to squeeze my red cheeks. I pouted until he pecked me once... and then again.

Yangcha lowered his body to hug my waist with his head rested on my shoulder until the fireworks ceased. The staff on the boat played romantic classical music instead, so I inhaled deeply to stop my heart from beating too fast and slowly swayed with Yangcha over the platform before the dark sea. I tearfully smiled at the scattered flowers over the deck and at the heart-shaped bouquet on the sides.

"I'm happy," I muttered with my puffy gaze on the dark sea. Yangcha deeply exhaled while rubbing my back as we slow danced to the steady rhythm.

"Smile for me then. I'm not convinced when you keep pouting at me like this," Yangcha whispered, pulling away from the hug while holding onto my hands. I grinned at him with my watery eyes, causing Yangcha to flush red with a funny smile.

He gently swayed with me and lifted my hand to make me twirl under his arm, so I chuckled and danced with him on the high deck with a broad smile. My heart... is so warm. The staff on the yacht fondly stared at us from the sides until I got super shy and hugged his body with a beaming grin. I snuggled against his chest as Yangcha rubbed my curved spine to soothe my tense body. Smiling like the happiest woman on the planet, I tiptoed to give him a soft peck before pulling away to pat his firm cheek with an approving smile.

The next morning.

I sleepily sat up against the king-size bed within the luxurious yacht suite with a vast view of the calm ocean in my night robe, loosely fitted to my body as Yangcha bent over the floor to collect the dirty tissues. He threw them away in the trash. I sleepily watched him walk around with the silk robe over his hulk-like figure and glanced at my cleavage to find a faint love mark.

We had a lot of fun the previous night. Yangcha prepared food, snacks, and drinks for me on the yacht. We danced... and celebrated with the staff and finally got down to business on the bed to ignite our heated bodies with pleasure. We spent time in the bubbling tub afterward before the sea and finally headed to bed at dawn.

"I got something for you," Yangcha hoarsely muttered, pulling open a drawer and handing me a rectangular package. I smiled and opened the gift until a hard-cover book slipped out of the box. I softly gasped in surprise as I flipped through the photo book filled with my favorite novel's characters.

"How did you get this???" I smiled, briefly glancing at Yangcha as he opened the window to let the wind inside the suite. The alpha yawned while stretching his toned body and finally settled on the bed edge beside me with a faint smile. I eyed the red scratch marks on his chest as he rubbed his sore pecs.

"You always read those... profane novels. I saw your endless transactions. You keep buying the mature versions, so I figured you'd want a physical copy. It's a limited edition," Yangcha shrugged. I bit my lips with a delighted smile as I stared at the explicit graphics on the book.

"You're the first person to buy me explicit adult art~!" I giggled, shyly lifting my bright pupils to Yangcha, who was weakly gazing at me.

"The flowers and jewels are cliché. You get it all the time. So I figured I should bring you the spicy books," Yangcha chuckled. I shook my head in disbelief while flipping through the pages to examine the adult art with a mischievous smile.

"I love it! Seriously!" I shrieked out of pure contentment.

Yangcha laughed as he crawled onto the mattress to sit beside me, so I leaned against his bruised torso as he placed his arm over my shoulder to hold me against him. I couldn't help but turn to give him a soft peck before glancing back at the photobook. Yangcha smiled and pulled the blanket over my thighs to cover me as I happily flipped through the pages.

"She's looking at the pictures of a hot man when I'm available beside her~ How disappointing~!" Yangcha grumbled while kissing my exposed shoulder. I smiled and leaned my head against his chest as he watched me read the context.

"Do you want to try this position?" I asked, pointing at the art.

"While standing? I can carry you, but it doesn't look comfortable," Yangcha chuckled softly. The couple is making love and the female character has her legs wrapped securely around her lover's hips as he pins her against the wall in a standing position.

"Let's try it once. At least," I shrugged. Yangcha gently grabbed my cheeks to turn me towards him, so I smiled and gave in to his kiss. He gently weaved our fingers over the satin blanket, making me smile between our sweet smooches. He finally drew away and lowered his fond gaze to the glittering ring on my finger with a faint smile.

"I love you," He smiled, gently pecking my hand, making me giggle in response to his ticklish lips. I love that I'm allowed to thrive in my feminine energy around him.

We spent our leisure days on the yacht chatting, eating, and getting intimate to the point my legs were sore, but I loved it. Our private moments. I needed the refreshing breezes and peaceful nature around us to keep my mind off the society's affairs.

I've finally found my comfort... and I'm loving every single moment with Jae Yangcha. Whatever we did... we'd immediately click... and we'd enjoy each other's company with so... so... much love and affection.

Yangcha turned on his shirtless trunk to hold my waist as he lay on the outdoor bench with my arm under his head. I calmly gazed at the drifting clouds above our heads as the seagulls flew over us and glanced at Yangcha's surgical scar on his scalp. Smiling, I leaned forward to give him a soft peck on his buzz cut as he softly snored beside me. He sleeps a lot lately.

"Yah?!- Let me on the yacht!" A familiar voice screeched from the sea below. Oh?

"Sir-"

"That fucking asshole! Where is she!?" Do-hwan's voice roared. I gasped in shock, sitting up on the couch, and quickly rushed towards the railing to find Do-hwan standing on a small fisherman's boat with a slight grimace.

"Do-hwan! What's the matter?!" I gasped, quickly strolling down the stairs to the lower deck as Do-hwan frantically scrambled over the old fishing boat to climb the yacht. The staff gasped and tried to assist him, but the man shoved them away.

"Aigo~! Careful! You might fall!" The old ahjussi on the fish boat warned as Do-hwan roughly grabbed the yacht railing and swung his leg over. Thump. I quickly rushed forward to help Do-hwan as he stumbled over the side path, but he suddenly grabbed my hand and yanked me forward.

"Are you fucking crazy?!- How can you leave without informing me of your whereabouts!?" Do-hwan snapped, angrily glaring at me with his fuming frown.

"I sent a text! Ah-!? Do-hwan! What are you doing-?!-" I tried to explain when he suddenly seized my waist and hurled me over the railing, causing my heart to leap in fear.

"We're leaving!" Do-hwan snapped.

"OMO! Be careful!- She might fall!" The ahjussi rushed over to extend his arms from his old fisherman boat as Do-hwan roughly forced me off the yacht's railing. I screamed in horror while gripping the railing for support as the deep sea water splashed against the yacht.

"Sora!" Yangcha gasped, quickly rushing towards me after he appeared on the first deck.

Do-hwan snapped his angered eyes towards Yangcha and tried to push me again, but I shoved the big man backward, so Yangcha launched forward to grab my wrist- just as my butt slipped off the railing. I screamed in fright but was securely grasped by Yangcha's firm grip.

"Don't touch her! Fucking let go-" Do-hwan bellowed, roughly grabbing my other arm as I clutched Yangcha's bicep.

"She will fucking fall!" Yangcha screeched in a panic while fighting with my chief guard to secure my body.

The alpha furiously shoved Do-hwan backward, grabbed my waist, and effortlessly hurled me back onto the yacht, so I whimpered in fright and stumbled into Yangcha, who possessively hugged my head against his buff chest with his other arm fastened around my waist. Do-hwan scoffed in disbelief and snapped his flaming pupils towards Yangcha with a spiteful glare.

"I said-"

"STOP! WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH YOU?!" I screamed, angrily shoving Yangcha aside to face Do-hwan when he tried to storm forward.

"IS YOUR SAFETY A JOKE?!" Do-hwan bellowed, widening his angered glare on me. Why did he barge onto the yacht like this?! I clenched my jaw in anger and was about to snap back when I noticed the innocent ahjussi and staff watching us with anxious expressions. I swallowed hard and glanced at Yangcha, who was murderously glaring at Big Man.

A moment later.

"We're simply on a trip! Did you have to cause a scene?!" I snapped at Do-hwan as he stood in the private living room with his arms crossed. Yangcha, the staff, and the ajusshi waited outside the room as I argued with the man.

"You disappeared for two days! I couldn't contact you-"

"There was no signal! I did send you a text!" I argued, showing him the pending texts on my phone screen. Do-hwan scoffed and fired Yangcha a sharp glare before glancing back at me again.

"How can you thoughtlessly follow him out here alone?! Jae Yangcha is a fucking killer-"

"HE PROPOSED TO ME! YANGCHA PREPARED EVERYTHING TO PLEASE ME! WHO ARE YOU TO RUIN OUR TIME LIKE THIS?! I'M FUCKING DISAPPOINTED! WHY CAN'T YOU GIVE ME YOUR BLESSINGS!? AND ROOT FOR MY HAPPINESS!" I screamed at the man. Do-hwan clenched his jaw at my stubbornness.

"The corporation and Philanthropy are in disorder right now! He's distracting you!" Do-hwan snapped. I frowned at the man.

"What-"

"The news leaked! The average knows Jae Yangcha is an infamous killer! Taehyung is fucking losing his shit at the corporation, and the people are questioning Philanthropy's involvement in the crimes! They know you're dating a fucking killer, Sora! My blessings!? You'll never get my blessings until the day I die! I must be a crazy bastard to approve of your relationship!" Do-hwan seethed at my face. What is he talking about?!

"How did they find out"

"Did you think you could freely walk around with an ex-convict without getting in trouble?! For all I know- The society is leaking his crime to disrupt the elder's corporation operation! The households will weaken without the corporation! If he fucking cares about you- then he wouldn't be this determined to present his wanted killer face to the fucking public! There's something wrong with him, and you're being an ignorant fool!" Do-hwan sneered. I clenched my jaw with my hurtful eyes on the man's red face.

"Maybe... I should've never allowed myself to develop an attachment with a mere average like you. You're right. I am a fucking clown for respecting you as my very own father when you don't even give a shit about me-"

"If I didn't give a shit about you. Did you think I'd fucking race here right now? To ensure your safety?! And don't call me your fucking father! You're a disgrace! And I will never be proud to have a daughter like you! How can anyone appreciate you when you're constantly being a reckless rascal!? Everything doesn't revolve around you, Sora! The world doesn't fucking revolve around you and only you! Why is it that you're always playing the victim and blaming others for your misery when it is you- who is creating the problems for yourself!? Sure! You're the supreme alpha! You're the founder of Philanthropy! You're undoubtedly a competent and independent woman with immense power in the society! You're the fucking best I know, but I can't put up with this shielding the fucking killer bullshit anymore! Not when he's threatening your very own security!- Taehyung! Jimin! Jungkook and Sungho! Their households are facing the severe backlash for being your allies! You're forcing them towards a dead end for that bastard!" Do-hwan seethed, lowering his fuming face to mine, but I stood blankly without blinking at him. I'm... a disgrace? He wouldn't want a daughter like me...? That's too brutal. A flush of tears suddenly flooded my eyes.

"Fine. From now onward... I will not spare you my emotional attachment. Fulfill your work just like the peasant you are, and don't fucking dare interfere with my life. You sold your worthless soul to protect mine, right? Then die protecting me!" I furiously snarled at his face. Do-hwan scoffed at me in disappointment before firing Jae Yangcha a sharp glare again.

"Araso. I will escort you home, my lady. It is your mother's command to bring you back home," Do-hwan sneered, nodding at the door with his firm scowl. I gripped my fist, glanced at the staff, and finally back at the man-hardened glare. We maintained deadly eye contact as the super yacht rocked over the calm waves.

________________________

Fast Forward

"What!? This is absolutely unacceptable!" Eomma shrieked as she stood in the living room with her arms crossed.

"The shareholders insisted on holding an urgent meeting regarding the matter. The stock price has plunged significantly overnight," Taehyung muttered as I sat beside Yangcha with a sore grimace.

"We have to issue a public statement. Refute the allegations," Appa suggested. Eomma darted Yangcha a disapproving look.

"They've already leaked the confidential files related to the past murders," Do-hwan muttered. Jungkook scoffed and fired Yangcha a sharp glare.

"There's been a mass protest in front of the Philanthropy building during the past days while the founder was on her romantic yacht date," Jungkook rolled his eyes, so I gripped my fists in annoyance but didn't say anything and sat in utter muteness.

"Can we regulate the media circulations?" Mr. Jeon asked worriedly.

"The team is intensively containing the news, but the mass is speaking of it," Do-hwan shook his head.

"You two must never make an appearance. Especially not you," Eomma darted Yangcha a stern glare.

"Is that all? We're a bit occupied today since I have to meet designer Choi to discuss Sora's wedding dress," Yangcha asked, calmly lifting his disinterested gaze to the elders. The room suddenly grew hushed. Taehyung quickly glanced at the ring on my finger with a startled expression.

"Moh!?-"

Third Person POV

"Oh. That's right. I proposed to the supreme alpha and she agreed to marry me. I kept my promise to achieve power, so we'll look forward to receiving your blessings, mother-in-law," Yangcha smiled, slowly rising to his feet.

The alpha placed out his hand for the supreme alpha. She didn't speak a word and took his hand, so he gently drew her onto her feet while exposing the enegament ring on her finger. The elders remained pale as they stared at the muted supreme alpha and glanced back at Jae Yangcha's smug expression.

"B-But-"

"Sora isn't involved with the corporation. She transferred the duties to Kim Taehyung, so her personal affairs shouldn't be an issue. The households should refrain from blaming the problems on her and address the situation appropriately," Yangcha shook his head to release his fiancée from her household accountability. Mrs. Jang tensed up in her place and fired her daughter a dark frown upon Yangcha's assertion.

Fast Forward

"Kim Seokjin!" I snapped, storming through the corridor to stop Seokjin from leaving the building. He paused and turned to stare at me with a slight frown.

"Wae? Are you here for my blessings?" Seokjin asked, nodding my engagement ring. I gritted my teeth in irritation.

"Did you think I was dense!? How dare you prompt the shareholders to resist me on the board?!" I snapped. Philanthropy shareholders and the alphas have requested that I make an official statement on my relationship with the silent killer.

"I did not urge them to question your leadership. Never did. Sora, you chose to place that killer on the throne yourself. Not everyone is pleased, and I'm sure you're aware... The average will lose their faith in you. All the charity works for what? So you could cover up Jae Yangcha's bloody hands? Anyone with a functioning brain will question your outrageous determination to protect a killer... even if he's not involved with the organization," Seokjin smirked, slightly tilting his head to the side. I glared at his arrogant smile. Huff.

"You're acting cocky now that the alphas voted for you to replace me?" I scoffed. I received endless letters from the employees to step down from the organization.

"I don't intend to steal your title. But since the majority deems me a worthy candidate... I shall fulfill my role to sustain the organization. It isn't about me and you anymore, Sora. Your white lies will never sway me again," Seokjin shrugged.

"White lies?! Yah-"

"You claim I was manipulating you with our past affairs, but it was you who asked me to be patient... and so I did. I granted you the space and time you desired but in the end. You betrayed me again. After everything I've done to support you... You chose Jae Yangcha... the killer. At this rate. I believe I'm not the problem. It is you... who wants to initiate troubles. You're the cancerous troublemaker. Not me," Seokjin lowered his smug face to scan my fuming frown.

"You killed his family," I clenched my jaws.

"My parents eliminated his family because you destroyed my life. I tried to make up for it and took him as you requested, only to be accused... of being the bad guy. Do you have that much faith in Jae Yangcha? That rookie player..?" Seokjin smirked, narrowing his gaze on me. I didn't look away and sternly stared back.

"Jae Yangcha can easily pluck you out if it weren't for me-"

"But he took my bait," Seokjin lowered his face to whisper in my tears. I clenched my jaw and looked up at Seokjin with an uneasy frown.

"Stop bluffing-"

"You see... I grew sick... of his childish hide-and-seek game. My power is within his grip, and he's a coward for concealing the contracts... using it to blackmail me. So I pulled the trigger. You might've thought I was a fool... but was I really a fool? I put that bullet in him with purpose. So he'd think he's winning and legally seize my power. But what's the drawback, Sora? Hmm? I couldn't attack him when he's a powerless man because I won't gain anything, so I pushed him... to expose my lost contracts, and it's fully in his grip now. And what will happen when there's concrete power in his hands? Anything... with... form and solidity... can be stolen, Sora. Jae Yangcha is still legally my dead alliance. Therefore... if he dies today... all of my power will return to me. Why should I panic? My power is safe," Seokjin smiled. I grew stiff in realization. Kim Seokjin shot Yangcha to provoke him? So Yangcha would stop concealing his confiscated contracts and seize them from the Kims out of greed? Just so Kim Seokjin could kill him and acquire the contract right back from his ally?!

"You won't be able to retrieve it if he marries me-"

"You can't marry him. Not yet. Not when your parent's corporation is at risk and not when the average knows... he's an ex-convict. Your household will crumble if you insist on marrying him," Seokjin chuckled. My face drained in horror.

"You leaked the confidential trial to the average?!" I scoffed in horror.

"Did you think you're the only one with a brain, Sora?" Seokjin smiled. The alpha patted his suit neatly and strolled away with a smug expression... leaving me dumbfounded in my position.

Shit.

________________________

Fast Forward

The grand venue bustled loudly with the presence of the shareholders and the alphas as people attended Philantrophy's first organization celebration prepared by Sungho to achieve harmony amongst the restless commoners. My parents chatted gleefully with the shareholders as I stood in silence at the corner of the room with a dull expression.

Eomma told me to stay out of the spotlight, so I didn't dress to catch the eyes. Seokjin pridefully led the conversation with the other shareholders until they briefly fired me suspicious stares. They're probably talking bullshit about me. I gulped and glanced at Jungkook, who was busy conversing with Sungho.

I glanced down at the texts on my phone and chatted with Yangcha until I noticed a man approaching me, so I looked up to find Seojun staring at me with a slight frown. He's invited to sing for the guests.

"Can I speak with you for a moment?" Seojun asked. I nodded and followed him to the back dressing room.

"What's the matter?" I asked. Seojun sighed heavily and turned to gaze at me with a troubled expression.

"I want to quit promoting Philanthropy," Seojun bitterly muttered.

"Is it because of the allegations?" I asked, blankly lifting my eyebrows.

"My fans aren't responding well to the news. I'm afraid the public will drag me with you if I continue the promotion," Seojun sighed.

"Philanthropy shouldn't be associated with my personal life-"

"But you're the founder. I initially thought you were a high-value woman with an unmatched prestige, but I was a fool. You're not as worthy as you appear," Seojun muttered.

"Moh? You're saying I'm worthless now after I rejected your proposal?" I scoff in disbelief. Lee Seojun initially set up the private gathering in an attempt to ask me to be his lover before his friends, but I introduced Jae Yangcha to him. He's still sour about the objection.

"Your image isn't as pure as you appear. I thought you were a pretty flower, but it turns out... you're a man-eater. Ah. Preferably... you like the serial killers, right? Of course, I'm not up to your standard," He chuckled, darkening his gaze at me. I stared at the cocky popstar as he poked at my personal affairs to cushion his wounded ego.

"You should take proper care of your gifted throat, Lee Seojun," I chuckled, lightly patting his shoulder, and strolled out of the room. Did he think he could provoke my anger? Tsk. I rolled my eyes and entered the venue until I spotted Taehyung steering towards me.

"Can we speak for a second...?" Taehyung asked, dimly staring at me. I exhaled and glanced at the unbothered crowd before walking off with him.

Meanwhile.

Lee Seojun sat quietly in the dressing room with his legs crossed while typing on his phone with a slight smirk. The singer chuckled at the texts on his screen until he noticed movement in the room, so he looked up to find a staff standing behind him with a black mask over his face.

"You scared me! Who are you?!- Yah. Did you sneak in here for an autograph?!" Seojun scoffed in disbelief, wildly turning to glare at the unannounced presence of another person.

"I'm here to escort you to the stage, sir. I'm sorry for startling you," The man slightly lowered his head. Seojun cursed under his breath and slipped his phone into his pocket before rising to his feet to fix his hair in the mirror and finally strode out of the room as the employee held the door open for him.

"What's taking my manager so long? I need my cooling pills to soothe my vocal cords," Seojun grunted as he cluelessly followed the man down the corridor while typing on his phone.

"Oh, Hera. Are you free tonight?" Seojun answered the call as he walked through the empty corridor with the employee. He dismissively glanced out the windows on the sides and strolled forward with a slight smirk.

"I've got boiling hot news related to the filthy bitch. Oh~! I'll see you! Bring your wine! Oh~!" Seojun chuckled as he turned after the man at an intersection. The singer lowered his phone and strode forward but halted once he found himself standing inside a dim storage room.

"Yah? What's this?" Seojun asked, abruptly turning to face the employee, who was slowly closing the door under the dim red light.

"It's the back exit to the stage, sir," The man replied, calmly resting his emotionless gaze on the singer, who scoffed and glanced at the scattered equipment within the room in disbelief.

"I can't see another door though...?" Seojun glared at the man in annoyance as the employee slowly pulled on his black gloves.

"You'll see the door soon, sir," The man chuckled, lifting his smug gaze to the clueless singer.

"Yah! Cut it! I'm leaving!" Seojun snapped, stomping forward to try and shove his way through, but was firmly held back as the employee effortlessly gripped the superstar's shoulder.

"I must escort you to the door, sir," The man stubbornly insisted. The superstar furrowed his eyebrows at the sketchy man.

"YAH!- UGH!?!-" The singer tried to resist but was cut short when he felt something puncturing his lower rib. The superstar huffed in shock and glanced down to find a blade... sinking deep beneath his skin... penetrating his raw organs. He fearfully lifted his eyes to the darkness within the man's blank pupils in horror while gripping the blade.

"Please save your energy, sir," The man muttered beneath his black mask, suddenly snatching the blade out of the superstar's abdomen, causing the thick blood to stain his golden suit. The superstar's lips started trembling in terror at the painful withdrawal. He suddenly collapsed onto the ground with his hands clasped over his open stab wound.

"You fucking bastard! Who are you?!" Seojun shouted while struggling on his knees with his hands gripped over the wound. His warm blood... splattering messily over the floor as he desperately crawled towards the door... but was violently hauled backward. Thud!

The superstar grunted in pain as he collapsed onto the bleach bottles while struggling to sit up. The employee stepped forward with his blank gaze on the superstar's sweaty face as he fearfully scooted backward until his back slammed against the solid wall.

"ARGH! HELP!?! S-S- SOMEONE HELP ME! HELP- ARK!" Lee Seojun screeched, suddenly launching to his feet to scramble for his life while screaming desperately, but was cut short after the employee seized his neck and slammed him hard into the opposite wall where the clothes' metallic hangers were lined. THUMP.

A rush of warm blood splattered all over the killer's face at the deadly impact against one of the sharp hook hangers. Lee Seojun immediately opened his mouth to speak but ended up... spitting out blood as he stood stiffly against the wall. The curved metallic tool... poking out of his gifted vocal cords. The singer whimpered in extreme distress with his fearful eyes on the killer as he tightly gripped the singer's hair to hold him in place after slamming the man into the wall on purpose to shush him with the piercing hook.

"Can you see the door..?" The killer snarled, lowering his dangerous glower to the burning tears in Lee Seojun's eyes as dark blood gushed out of his ripped throat. The superstar opened his lips to speak, but only blood was dripping from his slimy mouth... trickling onto his now... bloody golden suit. He whimpered in pain while trembling helplessly against the wall.

"Urk- ugh- urgh-" The superstar's lips overflowed with the thick blood as he stood stiffly against the wall with the hook lodged deep inside his throat from the back of his nape, poking out through Adam's apple. Drip. The thick paste trickled from the metallic sharp end... and splattering onto the floor below.

"Don't move too much. It'll only hurt more," The man chuckled, lowering his razor-sharp eyes to the pointy tip as the blood dripped from the sharp end that had pierced the superstar's throat from the back. The superstar's breath suddenly grew unsteady as the menacing dim red light... distorted his fuzzy vision.

"Urgh!" Thump! The superstar suddenly lost his energy, collapsing hard onto the ground with his torn throat. The man whimpered and grabbed his wounded neck in agony while twisting on the floor in his own pool of blood as the employee stood blankly over him.

"You still can't see the door? Let me assist you," The man chuckled, grabbing a bottle of super glue from the shelves and turned to crouch over the hyperventilating singer. The superstar fearfully stared up at the man with his pleading pupils while coughing on his blood until the madman poured hot glue over his swollen gash.

"Oh no. Your wound is too big. I hope the glue can seal your throat. Aigo~! You won't be able to sing for a while~!" The man madly chuckled as he shoved the bottle tip into the ripped fresh and squeezed the hot glue into the torn throat tissues, causing the victim to grunt in excruciating pain. The killer stapled the superstar's shoulders down with his knees as he violently jerked on the floor. The overflowing super glue... sizzling with the mixture of blood until bubbles formed in the superstar's mouth due to the... fatal chemical burn.

"I'll show you the door to the... afterlife," The man smiled, carefully withdrawing the half-empty glue bottle to hover it over the superstar's bulging tearful eyes as he desperately gagged beneath him. Drip...

"ARGHSJH?!*%&^$#!?!-" The superstar painfully screamed as the super glue dripped onto his raw eyeballs.

Drip...

Drip...

Drip...

"Hahah... AHAHAHAH!" The man evilly chuckled as he squeezed the remaining super glue onto the man's eyes until his eyeballs burned from the harsh chemicals.

Lee Seojun grunted in distress and jolted violently as the toxic glue spilled over his sweaty face until strained veins bulged over his glazed forehead. The killer slowly exhaled and got back onto his feet. He tossed the bottle aside... wiped his shoes with an old cloth, and slowly approached the door. Creeeaaak- Thud. The man opened and closed the door, leaving the superstar bleeding to... death with a blinded sight and mutilated throat.

Thump. Thump. Thump. The superstar blindly sat up on the floor to search the bloody tiles with his hands as heavy blood oozed from his swollen throat. His ragged breaths... filling the hushed storage room as he shakily crawled over the slippery floor to search for the wall, whimpering in distress... until his fingers fumbled upon the doorknob.

"Hmmp! Hmmmp!" The superstar tried to cry for help... but even his throat was blocked by the burning super glue.

He painfully clasped his stinging throat after shoving the door open... and tumbled hard onto the floor in the corridor with his blistering eyeballs. He couldn't see anything as the rapid tears streamed down his cheeks, so he scrambled back onto his feet and aimlessly limped through the corridor with a torn neck and glued eyelids... leaving behind messy blood trails over the carpet.

THUMP.

"Ah!"

The man suddenly collided with another person, who gasped and seized his arms in surprise. Jang Sora's eyes grew wide open once she found the superstar standing... before her... soaked in blood. She pursed her lips in horror while gawking the fresh wound over his Adam apples. His swollen inner throat tissues... contracted underneath the torn flesh... causing more blood to leak freely from the gash.

"Hmmp! Hmmp!-?!*%&#$*!-" The superstar wailed in distress with his muffled bloody lips as he desperately grasped her body for help. The supreme alpha stood frozen in place... with her dreadful eyes bulging in extreme fear as Seojun gripped her arms... staining her skin with his bloody handprints.

"Sora!" Taehyung called, chasing after her, but halted in bewilderment when he found the singer standing before Jang Sora. She stood paralyzed in her place until the man suddenly choked and tumbled to the floor. He could no longer breathe as he sprawled on the floor... rolling back and forth with his bloody hands clutched around his mutilated throat.

"Hmmp! Hmph! Urgh-!" The superstar jerked violently with his hands clasped over his neck after his inner tissues swelled severely... ultimately blocking his windpipe.

The supreme alpha remained cemented in her place with her terrified eyes wide open as the superstar laboriously wheezed and coughed out more blood while struggling with a deadly seizure and jolted violently on the floor with his burned lashes and blistering eyelids.

The yellowish fluid... leaking from his scalded eyeballs and staining his dirty cheeks.

His gruesome bloody drool... trickling from the corner of his lips... splattering all over the carpets and the wall as he repeatedly spat out the blood.

Kim Taehyung frantically raced forward to seize Sora's arm and quickly tugged her back with his horrified eyes on the man's troubling state. The alphas remained paralyzed with dreadful looks. Neither of them could speak... or budge before the disturbing scene... of the struggling soul as he... helplessly endured the distressing pain.

The man grunted for the last time as he thrashed his legs restlessly against the carpet to resist the excruciating pain... until his body convulsed in extreme anguish at the lack of airflow in his lungs and- Slump!

Lee Seojun suddenly stopped moving, and the tedious gurgling sound suddenly ceased. Jang Sora blinked at the man's stiff body in absolute terror as the thick blood paste seeped from his torn throat. The two alphas pursed their lips with their unblinking stare on the severe chemical burns over the superstar's swollen eyelids... and slowly shifted their fearful gaze to each other's pale faces... in utter shock.

Ding. Jang Sora slowly lifted her phone screen to stare at the single text.

Jae Yangcha: I miss you.

She shakily clicked their shared location on the tracking application and to her absolute terror... Jae Yangcha was within the same area. He was slowly... drifting further and further away from the venue. Kim Taehyung frowned at the live location and shifted his dark gaze to the supreme alpha before glancing back at the dead superstar on the floor.

Jae Yangcha... typing...

Jae Yangcha... typing...

Jae Yangcha... typing...

Jae Yangcha: Do you love me, noona?

Jae Yangcha... typing...

Jae Yangcha: :)

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Hjhwefqhh I HAVE SCHOOL IN A FEW HOURS! IMMA SLEEP! THANK YOU FOR WAITING FOR ME! CAN'T SAY MUCH BUT I LOVE LOVE YOU SOOOO MUCH! <3 HAVE A GREAT DAY!!! HOPE YOU ENJOYED THE CHAPTER!!!