Magic Shop

Chapter 10

You moved into the mansion of the Kims a few months prior to Jong-in's death, meaning you met Soojin before Jungkook met her.

Back then, it was just you and your sister. No Jungkook in sight, no Jungkook to mess up with Soojin's heart.

Most importantly, Jungkook was exclusively yours. He was your best friend when you were six, but he became Soojin's crush when you were sixteen.

"What's that?" Sixteen years old Soojin asked upon seeing you open a purple box wrapped into a fancy ribbon.

"Oh," you stopped fiddling with the box to look at Soojin. She was still wearing her gown even though the party had ended hours ago.

You and Soojin celebrated your sixteenth birthday today—wait. This wasn't right. Admittedly, you didn't get to celebrate at all. Everyone was focused on your sister. She said she wanted a big party and because her family loved her so much, they gave her what she wanted.

How could they say no to the youngest and only daughter of Kim Taemin?

They were wrong though. Soojin wasn't the only daughter of Taemin. You existed too. The Kims just didn't know you were a part of their family too.

All they knew was that you're one of the charity cases of the head of their family. The Kims thought Taemin saw potential in you that was why he sheltered you. Taemin made his family think you're going to be an asset in Castle Architectural Firm, that allowing you to live in their mansion would pay off soon.

They were wrong. You were not an asset. You were a liability.

"It's a gift..." Sixteen years old you answered Soojin, a smile bloomed on your face as you ran your thumb over the ribbon. "Jungkook gave me a gift for my birthday."

Jungkook was the one and only person who remembered to give you a present. You said it wasn't necessary, that you're already content with the fact that he didn't forget your special day.

"Special people deserve gifts, Tiger." You remembered Jungkook telling this to you while ruffling your hair and scrunching his nose. "You're a gift too! A blessing who makes me happy."

Your heart fluttered at that. Jeon Jungkook really believed you were a blessing.

"Jungkook?" Soojin folded her arms over her chest, her brows furrowed. "As in Jeon Jungkook? My escort Jungkook?"

Your sister gave you a wild look, as if she couldn't believe someone like Jungkook would give you a present.

"Yes." You answered, avoiding her gaze.

Jungkook attended Soojin's sweet sixteenth party. Today was actually the first time they saw each other. Taemin realized it's time for his daughter and son's best friend to meet, mainly because they could be partners in the future.

This was Taemin's plan all along. The only reason why it took him long to introduce them together was because of you. He was afraid Jungkook would accidentally reveal to the Kims about you being an illegitimate child.

Taemin brushed off this worry now. He knew Jungkook cared about you, he wouldn't just go around telling people about your secret. Besides, he's a grown man already. He could handle secrets.

Originally, Jungkook attended the party because he wanted to see you. He wasn't at the venue for Soojin, he was just a guest anyway. Unfortunately, Yugyeom, Soojin's escort, couldn't make it since he was sick. This forced Jungkook to act on behalf of Yugyeom—to be a proxy.

Soojin was too proud to ask her brothers to stand and sit beside her throughout the entire program. She didn't want to look like no other boys wanted to be her so-called 'date' during her birthday celebration so she accepted Jungkook.