𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐋𝐘 𝐎𝐁𝐒𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍 || 𝐉𝐉𝐊

Chapter 41

-#[A few days later]: at University:[Graduation ceremony day]:

The freedom that others take for granted is something I have to beg for. Today is the last day of my university life. Everyone will soon be applying for jobs and starting their independent lives-the same dream I once had. But now, why do those dreams feel so hard to chase? Why do they seem to slip further out of reach?

"Are you applying for Jeon Enterprises?" one girl asked.

"Yes!" replied the other. "I've applied there too! The chances of getting hired are low, but who knows? Maybe we'll get lucky and meet the young master of the Jeon family!" She squealed at the possibility.

"I'm so excited!"

It's not always the case that whatever shines is a diamond. Something that shines the most is often filled with darkness. It might seem beautiful from afar, but when you get closer, it might turn out to be a fire that could...burn you.

A sigh escaped my lips as I overheard their conversation. They were buzzing with excitement about the possibility of working for Jeon Enterprises-a nearly impossible feat, given how tough it is to get hired by one of the three major family corporations: the Jeons, the Kims, and the Parks. These families are the economic pillars of the country.

There was a time when I dreamed of working for the Jeons, but now... that name has become my worst nightmare. My worst nightmare.

My gaze dropped as I realized there were still two months left on this contract. After that, I would be free.

"Are you alright?" someone asked, placing a hand on my shoulder. Startled, I quickly looked to the side. I have become much more alert lately, perhaps overly so. Everything that's been happening has made me wary. I don't think I can trust anyone anymore.

It was Aera, her eyes widening slightly at my guarded reaction. "I didn't mean to scare you... are you okay?" she asked, concerned.

I shook my head, trying to dismiss her worry. "No, I'm fine. Just a bit distracted, that's all," I said, forcing a reassuring smile.

For days, I had been contemplating telling Aera everything, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. Instead, I covered the truth with another lie. Not because I wanted to, but because I found out her father plans to send her to the USA after graduation to learn business. I knew that if Aera found out about my contract with Jungkook, she would worry about me and might not leave.

Besides, there are only two months left...until this contract expires. After that, I can put it all behind me as a bad dream and move on. At least, that's what I hope...

Aera's sudden question caught me off guard, and I felt a wave of awkwardness wash over me. "There's going to be a graduation party tonight. Are you going to attend it?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement. I hesitated, unsure of how to respond, and eventually shook my head in denial.

"I don't think-" I began, but Aera cut me off with a gentle smile.

"It's okay, y/n. I was just asking anyway, not like you have to attend it. I know you're busy with your part-time jobs, so I already knew your answer." Her voice was soft and understanding, but it only made me feel more guilty. I had lied to her about the part-time jobs, using it as an excuse for my distance and stress.

Aera's voice broke through my thoughts again, "Y/n..." She paused, her eyes searching mine. "I'll be leaving next week for the USA. Will you come to see me off at the airport?" Her question hit me like a ton of bricks. I realized how little time we'd spent together in the past six months, and how distant we'd grown. No wonder she had to ask.