His Cold Heart J.JK

Chapter 10: Shadows of the Past

  Monday morning arrived with a tense atmosphere in the office. Yoonji could feel it the moment she stepped inside—Jungkook was on edge. He moved through the hallways with a tight jaw and narrowed eyes, hardly acknowledging anyone.

Yoonji's heart raced as she approached him in his office. "Jungkook, can we talk?" she asked, concern coloring her voice.

He looked up, irritation flashing across his face. "Not now, Yoonji," he replied coldly, turning back to his computer screen.

"Please, something's clearly bothering you," she pressed, unwilling to back down.

"Can't you see I'm busy?" he snapped, his voice sharper than she expected. "I don't have time for this right now."

Taken aback, Yoonji felt her heart sink. "I'm just trying to help."

"Help? You really think you can help with this?" Jungkook's eyes darkened as he stood up, frustration radiating off him. "You have no idea what's going on."

"What do you mean?" Yoonji asked, her voice trembling slightly.

He paced the small office, agitation evident in every movement. "Soojin is back, and she's making my life hell. I thought I'd moved on, but here she is, stirring up old issues."

Yoonji's stomach twisted. "Is she causing problems for the project?"

"She's causing problems for me, for us," he said, his voice rising. "You think I can just ignore her? She knows how to manipulate things, and I won't let her ruin what we have."

"Jungkook, we can face this together," Yoonji said, desperation creeping into her tone. "Don't shut me out."

He turned sharply to her, anger flashing in his eyes. "You think I'm shutting you out because I want to? I'm trying to protect you from the chaos she brings!"

"Protect me?" Yoonji felt frustration bubbling over. "By pushing me away? That's not protecting me; that's shutting me out!"

"Maybe that's what I need to do," he shot back, his voice cold. "You don't know how complicated this is. You don't know her like I do."

"Then help me understand!" Yoonji exclaimed, her emotions spilling over. "I care about you, Jungkook. I'm not afraid of your past."

Jungkook's expression hardened. "You should be. This isn't a fairy tale. I'm not some prince charming. I have baggage, and I can't drag you into it."

"Is that what you think? That I can't handle it?" Yoonji's voice trembled with hurt. "You're pushing me away when all I want is to be here for you!"

"Maybe you should rethink your choices then," he snapped, his words cutting deep.

Yoonji's heart sank as she took a step back, fighting back tears. "Fine. If that's how you really feel, then maybe you're right. Maybe I shouldn't be here."

The silence between them was heavy, charged with unresolved emotions. Jungkook looked at her, but the anger remained, a wall between them. "I'm busy, Yoonji. Just leave me alone for now."

Stunned, Yoonji turned and walked out, her heart aching. She felt the weight of his anger pressing down on her, leaving her confused and hurt. As she returned to her desk, she couldn't shake the feeling that Soojin was at the heart of this rift.

Hours dragged by, the tension in the office palpable. Every time Yoonji glanced at Jungkook, he was focused on work, frustration etched on his face. She longed to reach out, to break through the barrier he had erected, but his words echoed in her mind.

As the day wound down, she sent him a text: I'm here if you want to talk later. I won't let Soojin come between us.

After a moment, his reply came: I don't have time for this. Focus on your work.

Yoonji felt a surge of anger mixed with sadness. How could he be so dismissive? She gathered her things, determination hardening within her. She wouldn't let Soojin ruin what they had. Tomorrow, she would confront this head-on.

As she left the office, she took one last look at Jungkook, resolute in her decision. This wasn't over; she would fight for their connection, no matter the shadows of the past.

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