𝔇𝔢𝔰𝔦𝔯𝔢 | ɴᴏᴍɪɴ

ꪻ᭙ꫀꪶꪜꫀ

Jaemin stood in the dimly lit hallway, his heart pounding in his chest. She was back after weeks of absence, and he still couldn't wrap his mind around the possibility that the woman he had known as his mother might not be. He needed answers, and he needed them now.

Taking a deep breath, he walked into the living room, where Mrs. Na was sitting, looking as composed as ever. Her calm demeanor only fueled his frustration.

"Mom, I've been hanging out with my friends a lot, and we went exploring an abandoned castle," Jaemin began, his voice tinged with the anxiety he felt.

Mrs. Na looked up, her expression softening. "Oh, I'm glad you're safe."

Jaemin's jaw tightened. "Why did a bedroom door have my name on it?"

She blinked, seemingly caught off guard. "There are so many people I know with the name Jaemin. You must be mistaken."

"Oh really?" Jaemin's voice was rising now, anger and confusion bubbling to the surface. "You're always away on trips. Can you at least tell me the truth?"

Mrs. Na sighed, the weight of his question settling over her. "I knew one day you'd figure it out. The only thing I can tell you is that I've just been told to watch over you by your mother and father. Before they died, they left you a letter to read when you found out."

"So it's true. This whole time, everything was a lie," Jaemin said, his voice breaking.

"For your safety, Jaemin. I know it's hard, but please understand," Mrs. Na pleaded, reaching into her bag and pulling out a neatly sealed envelope. She handed it to him, but Jaemin barely glanced at it before storming off to his room, slamming the door behind him.

Inside the quiet of his room, he could barely breathe. He shoved the letter into the pocket of his suit for tomorrow, feeling its weight like a lead anchor. Desperate for some comfort, he grabbed his phone and called Jeno, his fingers trembling as he dialed.

"Hey," Jeno answered, his voice warm and familiar.

"It was all a lie," Jaemin blurted out, his voice choked with emotion. "She's not my mother. My parents must be royalty."

"Nana, it's okay. I'm here for you," Jeno said soothingly.

"She gave me a letter my parents left me, but I'm scared to open it," Jaemin admitted, his voice small and vulnerable.

"We can open it tomorrow at the ball," Jeno suggested gently.

"Together?" Jaemin asked, his heart aching for the support Jeno always gave him.

"Yes, Nana. Together," Jeno reassured him.

"I'd like that a lot, actually," Jaemin said, a small smile tugging at his lips despite the turmoil he felt.

"Okay, well it's getting late, so you should get some sleep," Jeno reminded him.

"Okay, goodnight."

"Goodnight, Jaemin."

As Jaemin lay in bed, the letter still tucked safely in his suit pocket, he felt a little lighter. Tomorrow would bring answers, and with Jeno by his side, he felt ready to face whatever truths the letter would reveal.