In Korean, Bora's name means "purple", which color usually symbolizes wealth, luxury, and spirituality. If you ask Bora, she thinks her name suits her well, no? Considering her feisty side, Bora also comes from the Serbian name Veliber that meant "great fighter." Which probably explains her personality. Lastly, one of the translations also means "foreigner" or stranger. Some would say it's a lovely way to embrace the baby's mysterious spirit, but to Bora—It probably meant she wasn't originally from Moon Manor.
Bora stared at the lake right behind their house, admiring the view. She always appreciated Moon Manor's wide property, providing her beautiful sights such as the sunrise. Ah, there it is, the sun. Which meant today is now her birthday and she's now 25 years old.
Arms snake around her waist as a raspy voice came to greet her from behind. "Happy birthday, baby." Jaehyun snuggled, placing a soft kiss to her cheek.
Bora leaned into his hug, feeling warm and contented. "I'm surprised you're able to get out of bed this early," she jested.
"Of course. I want to watch the sunrise with you," Jaehyun returns, watching the sun rise at the horizon. He takes a quick look at his girlfriend and gawks at her beauty. He's one lucky motherfucker, and he's gonna make sure Bora sees that in the event he's planned today. "Shall we eat some breakfast?"
"Depends. Do I expect a buffet downstairs, Mr. Jung?" Bora braced herself for whatever's up ahead. Despite her persistence in knowing the schedule for her birthday, her boyfriend did a great job in keeping his lips shut, and insisted to keep everything a surprise.
Knowing how he goes over the top; she's imagined potential scenarios in her brain so she would no longer be surprised.
"Mm, maybe you should get dressed first and I'll meet you out back. Sounds good?" Jaehyun gave her a parting kiss as he went to prepare his surprise.
Bora watched his retreating back and smiled to herself. Allowing herself to get spoiled today can't hurt, right?
/
Turns out, Bora didn't expect the Jung private jet to land at her backyard that morning. Jaehyun was waiting by the ladder up the jet, all dressed up, and smiling at her excitedly.
"Milady." He greets, kissing the back of her hand.
"Where are you taking me?" Bora questioned.
"I was originally planning Milan, but I don't want to waste any time with travel so for now. I'm gonna take you to Seoul to have the best breakfast of your life." Jaehyun smiled at Bora's raised eyebrow. "C'mon."
Without any further questions, Bora went inside the jet with Jaehyun, the waitress on board serving them light appetizers. There was also a barista that made Bora's exact coffee order, making the celebrant shoot her boyfriend heart eyes.
"Oh, you didn't need to do this." Bora could smile from the iced coffee she was served. What a way to start her morning.
"I wanted to." Jaehyun kissed her hand again, lacing their fingers together. "I'm gonna make you so fucking happy today."
"You already do that every day," Bora reassured, sending butterflies to Jaehyun's stomach.
"Not enough."
The rest of the journey was just them chatting and talking about anything. When Bora brought up work, Jaehyun stopped her before she could worry about it. He told her he dealt with everything and that she doesn't need to think about the project; only her birthday.
When they landed to God knows where, Bora noticed a set up placed at a large plot of land. Jaehyun beckoned her to walk with him, holding her hand as he guided her towards the set.
Bora then realized it was like the streets of Italy. Milan, to be specific. She tugged on his hand. "Jaehyun, what is this...?" she whispered in awe.
The buildings, the streets, the shops... the whole vibe of the setting was of Italy.
Jaehyun grinned at her. "It's not the same as the actual place, but I thought, hey, with a good production team, I can replicate the streets of Milan, right?" Jaehyun pulled her towards him as they walked around the make-shift Italian street.
The set perfectly captured is ambience, from its architecture to its culture, and even the fucking people. Did Jaehyun actual hire some Italians to give her the full Milan experience?
Bora grabbed Jaehyun's face and kissed him fully. He almost fell over but managed to steel himself over a wall as Bora ate his face. His hands slid over to her ass that was barely covered by her thin-layered dress. He squeezed her cheeks, urging out a moan from her, so he took the opportunity to slide his tongue inside.
Taking the lead, Jaehyun flipped positions with Bora, one hand grabbing her ass and the other holding the back of her head.
They make out for what it felt like a minute until Jaehyun had to pull away from how intense it was. He'd fuck her but not here; not with strangers staring at them.
"As much as I love eating your face and... other things, we still have to eat breakfast." He reminded.
Bora grunted in agreement and fixed herself up, and touching up her lipstick. "Good because." She moved Jaehyun's hand to her ass and smirked. "This thong isn't removing itself."
"Oh, fuck. I thought I'm supposed to be the one giving you gifts." Jaehyun had to suppress the rush of blood to his crotch.
"What can I say? I can be generous on my birthday too." Bora giggled at her boyfriend's flushed expression.
The breakfast was perfect. Jaehyun had hired Michelin-star chefs to cook Bora waffles and bacon. Who does that? Only someone who wants the best for their girlfriend. That's what Jaehyun's mission is today, and he's starting off strong.
Bora being Bora, loved the breakfast mimosa served for them, sneaking in a few kisses here and there, completely enamored by her boyfriend's preparation for her birthday.
They had crepes for morning dessert, and other dessert, but Jaehyun made sure the restaurant was entirely deserted before they went on their business.
Now, they're taking a walk by the country fields – (Bora had no idea where they were they were busy when the plane landed) – and Jaehyun leading her to, what looked like a barn.
Turns out, Jaehyun rented the entire equestrian estate just for him and Bora to ride around the fields. He even scouted the best horse there is – that would also suit his girlfriend's aesthetic.
Bora looked pleased with the horse, patting it fondly. She then noticed Jaehyun has yet to ride his own horse. "Aren't you getting on one?" she asks.
"Uh, I thought I'd just watch you from below here. You know, kinda like your tour guide." Jaehyun couldn't lie to save his own life so he just confessed right after. "Fine, I don't know how to ride a horse, okay?"
Bora can't help but laugh, gesturing him to hop on behind her. "C'mon, I'll teach you," she patted the space right behind her, and no way Jaehyun's saying no to that.
They spend the afternoon attempting to ride around the estate, with Bora even handing Jaehyun the reigns that almost got them thrown off the horse's back.
"You suck at this," Bora had commented in the middle of it all.
"I warned you," Jaehyun would argue back.
In the end, they lie in the middle of the field after bringing the horse back to its stable.
It was like the setting of a period piece where the two-love interest spending their lives together for all eternity. Jaehyun hopes it's like that, and how this day will never end. This is the happiest he's ever been in his life, and it's all because he made an impulsive decision by defying his father's orders. Sometimes life takes you to places, and in this case, Jaehyun's was Busan's.
They watched the sunset in each other's arms, Jaehyun's lips marking every part of Bora's skin. She giggles and kisses him back, hands cupping his face to capture his lips in her own.
Night finally catches up to them, stars filling up the dark sky. Which meant it was almost time for Bora's 25th birthday party.
Jaehyun was tempted not to go but Bora was expecting the party. "Hey." He was the first one to get up, pulling her along to her feet. "As much as I would love to stay here, we gotta go. And probably take a shower."
Bora chuckles, dusting herself off. "You're right, you stink," she teases.
"Says the woman who can't separate herself from me!" Jaehyun huffed.
They walk back hand-in-hand, and soon enough was flying back to Busan in time to get ready for Bora's party.
While back at the manor, Taeil and Johnny were in charge of the party, making sure everything was perfect. They were under strict orders from the Jung Heir, and would rather not mess this up for their sibling.
Jeongyeon, who was in charge of the catering and drinks, was being bothered by Yuta, who has done his part with the decorations. He was dragging her into the latest gossip in Busan, but she was too occupied in making sure the menu was up to her best friend's taste.
Iseul, on the other hand, had arrived a bit late but had come prepared with her gift for Bora. "Hey, where should I put this?" she asks Taeil and Johnny, joining them in the study room.
"There's a big room where Bora's gifts are to be placed," Taeil informed. "If you have a hard time finding it, follow the golden glitter."
Iseul makes a face at that, catching Johnny's eye who just mouthed 'Just go with it.' She shrugs, and disappears off to find that specific room.
"So, how are things with you and Iseul?" Taeil clears his throat, once his best friend is out of hearsay.
"If you're asking if there's any latest drama in our relationship, then I might disappoint you," Johnny replies. "Which is great, actually. Somehow our relationship is always full of twist and turns."
Taeil gives him look that says expound and Johnny rolls his eyes.
"I'm saying... it's the first time our relationship is, you know, drama free. Her not worrying about her mother and I'm... well, I've closed a chapter in my past life, and now I can focus on the present."
Taeil can't argue with that. From the bottom of his heart, he can earnestly say, "I'm happy for you two. You've come so far." He should take notes from the two, he thinks to himself.
"Yeah well, it wasn't easy." Johnny chuckles. "We had to fight off so many crazy people. Ourselves included."
Taeil laughs at that joke. As the mutual person of the couple, he can attest that both Iseul and Johnny are crazy, not just about each other but like in general. "Well, at least you figured it out. That's something," he responds.
"Oh!" Iseul finds a familiar face as soon as she sets down Bora's gift. She smiles over to that person, and calls him over. "Kun! It's been a while."
Kun smiles back politely. "Yeah, it has," he replies. "Who knew Bora's birthday will bring us all together."
"Well, it is a big celebration," Iseul comments. "Now that I thought about it, we haven't properly bonded as Taeil's boyfriend and best friend. Would you like to grab a drink with me?"
"Oh, uh, sure." Kun lets himself get dragged along to the open bar, and got handed the most disgusting drink he's ever tasted. He must've been scowling so much that Iseul can't help but laugh.
"Not a drinker?" she asks.
"Does it show on my face?" he jokes, and they both share a laugh.
"Listen, I know you and Taeil planned to travel after he... you know, fixed things over here," Iseul starts off, catching Kun off guard. Boy, she had more guts than her best friend. She actually brought it up. "But, I'm sorry. Things just so crazy here that Taeil can't help but get caught up in it. It's mostly my fault because I asked his help so that I could run off from my wedding."
Kun nods in understanding. "It's not your fault. I know Taeil. He'd do anything for his friends and family." He can at least say that truthfully. "I... I'm the one who wanted to stay anyway. I just—I got scared all of a sudden."
"It's nothing to be ashamed off." Iseul grabbed his hand in comfort. "It's a big step for your relationship, you know? Things like this need time to think about it."
"Yeah, but I told him I was ready, and I just... bailed." Guilt ate Kun up, he didn't know how he managed to live here full of lies. "I can't even tell him why."
"Why can't you?" Iseul asked innocently.
Kun opens his mouth about to speak but then stopped himself. "I just—I don't want him to get hurt. If I tell him, I'm just putting him in danger," he admits.
Iseul burst out in laughter, ignoring the bewildered stare she received from Kun. "Oh, sweetie. He's a son of a multi-billionaire and heir to an empire," she points out the obvious. "He's been received threats since he was a toddler and probably got kidnapped four times. I'm sure he's not about to be shaken by whatever you can't tell him."
"I—" Kun can't believe what he's hearing about Taeil. So casually from his best friend too. How can Iseul say that like it's a normal thing? Well, in their world he guesses it's normal. "You really think so?"
"I know so," Iseul proclaimed. "You think Taeil's the type to get spooked easily?"
Kun hadn't really thought about that, leaving him wondering. Iseul smiles at his expression, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Sweetie, it's a wonder he hasn't scared you off in the first place."
There's something so unsettling with Iseul's smile that Kun can't put his finger on. The way she talks so carefully as if her words were perfectly selected before she spoke it to Kun. The way it seemed so staged – probably Taeil talked to her into talking to Kun.
But Kun is no stranger to this type of conversations, and he can easily pick up on it. With the way Iseul looked at him, he can tell they're on the same page.
"What I want to say is, you're overthinking it. As someone who's made that mistake couple of times, don't. That's all." With that, Iseul wanders off to find the rest of the Moon siblings, leaving Kun alone in his thoughts.
Kun scans his surroundings, thinking how it's the same as the home he lived in China. It's like he never left. Only, he's with the man he loves and with the people he gets along with...? He's not sure what his standing is with Iseul, but she seems to like him.
Fine. I'll talk to him. Kun chugs down that shitty as drink Iseul handed to him. She probably ordered that on purpose. It's what he deserves after all.
/
"Happy birthday!"
Bora was greeted by her family and friends as soon as she walked in the Moon Manor. In her insistence, she and Jaehyun dropped by the Jung Estate to shower and change for the party. She was pleased to see the luxurious look the interior had upon celebrating her birthday. She definitely appreciated that golden statue of hers.
She turns to Jaehyun with a big smile on her face. "You certainly outdid yourself, Mr. Jung." She purrs, kissing his cheek.
"Only the best for you, babe." He greets cheekily. "Happy birthday."
As cheesy and childish as it sounds, Bora still blew a candle on her 5-layered golden cake, courtesy of Jeongyeon. She went on greeting guests with Jaehyun, introducing him in the process. Soon after it died down, and the guests went on with their own business like food and drinks, Bora approached the Moon table.
"I guess I'll have to thank Mr. Jung's party committee as well," she says.
"We're demoted to Jung party committee now? Not your beloved family?" Yuta comments.
"Well, yeah." Bora rolls her eyes like it's the most obvious thing ever. While she can conjure it, she musters up the sincerest, "Thank you." To her brothers, leaving them flabbergasted.
"Wow—hey!" Johnny feels a pinch to his side as he looks down on his girlfriend.
"Be nice!" she scolds. "Happy birthday, Bora."
"Dr. Kang." Bora tries not to gag at Johnny and Iseul's closeness even when standing up. "Glad you can come."
Oh, I think she lost it! Yuta mouthed to Taeil who told him to shut the fuck up.
"We're happy you like your party. You deserve it, Bora." Taeil returns her sincerity.
Bora smiles back, browsing the room with a curious face. "Where's dad?" she asks.
"Found him." A voice speaks and they all turn to Moon Hajoon himself, and to his side, Mark Lee.
"Dad. Minhyung." Bora visibly flattened. It's like the happiness Jaehyun worked for the whole day died out of her.
"Happy birthday, Bora." Hajoon greets simple, raising his glass. "I know we may not see eye to eye sometimes but. You're my daughter, and you'll always be important to this family."
Bora forces a smile, and follows suit with the glass. "Thanks, dad," she mumbles before downing her drink.
Hajoon then turns to Jaehyun, clapping a hand on his shoulder. He seems pleased that Bora's picked the Jung heir as her boyfriend. "Take care of her, will you? I'm happy Bora has someone she can lean on so, thank you Jaehyun." with that, he leaves the kids alone, mingling with other business men invited in the party.
"Yeah, you're welcome." Jaehyun smiles back, glancing at Bora who stood rigidly in his arms. His gaze then turns ice cold at Mark, who stood there awkwardly, waiting for his turn. "Who invited you?"
"Jaehyun." Bora intones before they get into it.
"All business partners are invited, that's Moon party protocol," Mark tells him in a mocking tone before ignoring him and facing Bora. "I just wanted to greet you, happy birthday, Bora."
"Thanks, Mark." Bora feels Jaehyun's hand on her waist. It was warm.
"I know... I know we've been through a lot, and there's been ups and downs between our relationship—" Mark ignores how Jaehyun bristles with his words and continues, "But you'll always be a big part of my life. I care about you and I want you to be happy so. Happy birthday." He finishes it off with a smile so genuine you'd think he didn't yell at her before.
Bora nods and smiles back. "Thank you, Mark. Um, I'm just gonna go grab some food." She excuses herself, walking out of the conversation.
"Bora, wait." Jaehyun chases her not without glaring at Mark before leaving.
In the awkward silence that followed, Taeil breaks it by taking a step towards Mark. "I think it's best if you just avoid Bora the whole evening," he advises. "To not ruin her night further?"
"Of course, hyung." Mark smiles, eyes filled with something Taeil can't put his finger on. "You can count on me."
With that, they're left alone, and can finally exhale.
"Man, the fuck." Yuta cusses out. "So much for no drama on Bora's birthday."
"Did you really have to invite all business partners?" Iseul questions, feeling bad for Bora. "Could've made an exception just this once."
"Moon party protocol," Taeil repeats even though his tone doesn't agree with it. It's bullshit, after all.
A housekeeper then approaches him with a message, which sours his mood as he reads through it.
"What is it?" Iseul asks curiously.
"You've got to be fucking kidding me." Taeil crumples the letter, walking out of the room.
The three share a look of confusion, unaware that things are about to get worst.
/
"You know we can just leave, right?" Jaehyun proposes as he watches Bora grab a bottle of wine from their cellar.
They're back in the same place right after she quit Moon Corp, and he was comforting her. Only now, things were different between them.
"No, I don't want to. This is my birthday party and I'm gonna fucking enjoy it." Bora pours herself a glass and drinks it.
"Okay." Jaehyun slumps next to Bora on the couch as she cuddles next to him. "You gonna enjoy it here or upstairs? Though here is fine too, we can do something fun."
Bora hits him on the chest with a chuckle. "I'll be up in a minute." She lets out a sigh. "Just wanna calm down for a bit."
Jaehyun hums, rubbing her forearms soothingly.
"I hate how affected I get by just some words." She groans frustratedly. "I thought I didn't care anymore but..."
"You wouldn't be Bora if you didn't care," Jaehyun tells her. "That's your thing. You care so much about other people. Even though they don't deserve it."
"I don't know if I deserve it either."
"Hey."
Bora plays with her fingers, looking down at them sadly. "This is so stupid. I'm supposed to be happy today. It's my birthday, and I—I'm moping here in the cellar..." she whines. "Ugh, all because of my stupid dad and stupid ex."
Jaehyun watches as Bora picks herself up, offering a hand. "You planned this birthday party for me, and I'm not gonna let it go to waste because of those stupid men," she declares. "So, let's dance."
"You sure?" Jaehyun takes her hand, gently kissing it.
"I'm sure." Bora drags Jaehyun back upstairs and finds everyone dancing along to the DJs beat.
She sees Johnny and Iseul cozy with each other while Yuta leads a dance break in the middle of the room. She joins in with Jaehyun, and they finish at least 10 songs before they went to rehydrate themselves, laughing along their steps.
Kun was in the kitchen when Bora went to grab a bottle, so greets her shyly. "Happy birthday, Bora. Glad you're enjoying the party," he says.
"Thanks." Bora takes a sip of water. "Where's Taeil? Figured you'd beat Johnny and Dr. Kang in being the most disgusting couple tonight."
"Bora." Jaehyun says in an exasperated tone.
"I was looking for him earlier to talk to him but he was talking to someone outside," Kun says. "When I called for him, he looked stressed and asked me to wait for him inside."
Bora makes a face. Who could Taeil be talking to outside? During her party? She gives Jaehyun her water bottle.
"I'll go get him. This is my birthday and he can't be miserable with a rando."
With that, Bora leaves Jaehyun and Kun alone in the kitchen.
"Is that chocolate cake?" Jaehyun asks, feeling hungry from the dancing.
"Yeah, want some?"
"Yes, fucking please."
Bora finds Taeil at the east entrance of the manor, seemingly arguing with someone. She wonders who he was fighting with, turning to a corner.
"If you don't leave now, I'm calling the fucking cops. I don't wanna do that," Taeil threatens.
"Please, just let me talk to her, Taeil. I know I don't deserve but she's my daughter—"
"You're right, you don't. So fucking leave. I swear to god, I'm calling them right now."
"Taeil?" Bora doesn't recognize the woman her brother was arguing with. They both quiet down the moment she called her brother. "Who are you talking to?"
Taeil looks like he's seen a ghost as he met Bora's confused gaze. "Bora," he says flatly. "Go back to your party."
"It's my birthday. Don't tell me what to do. Who's that?" she questions.
"No one important. Go back inside." Taeil evades the question. That makes Bora even more curious as she peers over who the woman was.
She doesn't recognize her at all but the woman... her eyes, they kind of looked like... hers? Who is this?
"You kept her name?" the woman's voice croaked as she stares at Bora, eyes full of emotion.
Bora feels herself get choked up.
"No shit, that's the only thing you left her." Taeil blocks Bora's view of the stranger. "Get out, now."
Just in time, the manor's security arrives and drags the woman out of the manor's grounds.
Bora is left wondering in confusion and... why is she crying? "Taeil, who was that?" she asks, voice soft.
Taeil chooses his words carefully. "Do you really want to know?" he asks.
Bora had an inkling but she promised herself she'll be happy today. It's her fucking birthday and she's not gonna let her stupid dad, her stupid ex, and some stupid stranger ruin it.
"Not really," Bora replies. "At least, not right now."
"Okay." Taeil nods, watching his sister's eyes water. He pulls her into a hug, letting her cry on his shoulder. "It's okay, I'm here. I'm not leaving you."
"You won't? You'll stay here?"
"Of course."
Contented with that, Bora nods and buries her face deeper into her brother's chest. She held onto his words like her life depended on it. Taeil's not leaving anymore, and that's what matters to her. Her family is complete, her friends are here, and boyfriend just threw her a lavish birthday party anyone can only dream of.
She's home.