Unspoken Ties

Chapter-5 Confused

Y/N barely had time to react before she felt a pair of strong arms wrap around her. The unexpected hug made her body stiffen as she looked up, startled, to see Zaid grinning at her.

"How are you, sister-in-law?" he asked, his voice filled with warmth.

It took her a second to collect herself before replying, "I... I'm good, Zaid. What about you?"

Zaid pulled away, his smile widening. "After seeing you, I'm perfectly fine." His eyes twinkled with mischief as he added, "You are so beautiful, noona."

Y/N felt heat rise to her cheeks at his compliment. She gave a small, shy smile, lowering her gaze, which only made Zaid chuckle. He turned slightly and made a small gesture with his hand, signaling two girls to join them. One of them, a lively-looking girl with an easygoing demeanor, stepped forward.

"Hi, Y/N! I'm Bora," she greeted cheerfully before pulling Y/N into a hug.

Y/N hesitated for a second before hugging her back. "Nice to meet you."

"Same here!" Bora beamed, pulling away. "This is the first time I'm seeing you, and let me tell you, it's great to meet you."

Y/N smiled politely. "It's also my first time meeting all of you. I never knew that J-Jungkook had cousins."

At that, Bora's expression instantly shifted to one of pure shock. Her eyes widened as she turned to Jungkook, who was standing slightly behind Y/N, looking disinterested in the conversation.

"Wait-he didn't tell you about us?" Bora asked incredulously.

Y/N shook her head, and Bora immediately narrowed her eyes at Jungkook. "You muscle pig!" she scolded him. "I'll deal with you later."

Jungkook rolled his eyes but didn't bother responding.

Bora, however, was quick to change the subject. "Anyway, I'm starving. My stomach is practically crying right now." She dramatically rubbed her belly, making Y/N chuckle.

Zaid groaned, face-palming. "Noona, don't mind her. She's always hungry. She's actually a pig in disguise."

Bora gasped, smacking Zaid's arm while he laughed, sticking his tongue out at her.

Y/N giggled at their banter. "Why would I mind? It's good to eat. You all should freshen up first. Dinner is ready."

Bora's eyes lit up. "Wow! I'm so excited to taste your cooking. Where's my foo-" She paused, catching herself. "I mean, my room?"

Y/N chuckled, shaking her head before giving her directions.

"Oh! Y/N, can you ask someone to bring my luggage?"

"Of course," Y/N nodded.

Zaid raised his hand. "Noona, mine too."

Both Zaid and Bora disappeared upstairs, leaving Y/N standing there with the last guest-Leena. Unlike the others, Leena had been quiet, her gaze subtly flicking back and forth between Y/N and Jungkook.

Leena finally stepped forward, giving a small, obviously forced smile. "It's nice to meet you," she said, though her voice lacked any genuine warmth. Her eyes flickered over Y/N's figure in a way that made her feel slightly self-conscious.

Y/N offered a polite smile. "It's great to meet you too. Please, come inside. You should freshen up. I'll serve dinner in the meantime."

Leena's lips curled into something that wasn't quite a smirk. "Whatever," she muttered before turning on her heels and heading upstairs.

As soon as she was out of sight, Y/N let out a small breath, shaking off the unease that settled in her chest. When she turned her head, she caught Jungkook watching her. His gaze was unreadable, dark eyes locked onto hers.