His Cold Heart J.JK

Chapter 21: Unmasking the Past

The party buzzed with laughter and clinking glasses, but Yoonji felt a knot tightening in her stomach as she stood beside Jungkook. He was in his element, engaging with clients and colleagues, while she forced herself to smile and make small talk. The glimmering lights and elegant décor felt distant, overshadowed by the anxiety creeping in.

"Are you enjoying yourself?" Jungkook asked, glancing at her with genuine concern. His dark eyes sparkled, but Yoonji couldn't shake the feeling of dread.

"Yeah, just a little tired," she replied, trying to sound casual. Inside, she was anything but relaxed. Taehyung's unexpected presence loomed over her like a storm cloud, threatening to unleash memories she'd fought so hard to bury.

As if summoned by her thoughts, she spotted Taehyung across the room, his confident stride cutting through the crowd. Her heart raced. He was here, and she couldn't escape.

"Excuse me for a moment," she muttered to Jungkook, needing to put some distance between them. She navigated through the guests, her breath quickening as Taehyung approached.

"Look who it is," he said, a teasing smirk on his face. "The little runaway, all dressed up in her fancy world."

Yoonji felt a rush of anger mixed with fear. "What are you doing here, Taehyung?" she snapped, her voice low but fierce.

"I came to support family, of course. You didn't think you could hide forever, did you?" He glanced past her at Jungkook, and his smile widened. "And who's this? Your new boyfriend? He seems a bit out of his league."

"Don't talk about him," she warned, her voice trembling with suppressed emotion. "You have no idea what you're saying."

Taehyung stepped closer, his tone dripping with condescension. "Maybe I do. I know all about your little secret life. You think he'd still want you if he knew the truth?"

Before she could respond, Jungkook appeared at her side, sensing the tension. "Is everything okay here?" he asked, his brow furrowed.

"Just a family chat," Taehyung replied, his gaze locking onto Jungkook. "You might want to keep a closer eye on her. Family can be... unpredictable."

Yoonji felt her heart race as Jungkook glanced between them, confusion written on his face. "Yoonji, is there something you want to tell me?"

Panic surged within her. She couldn't let Jungkook see her weakness, couldn't let him know the truth that could shatter their relationship. "No, it's fine," she said too quickly, forcing a smile. "Let's just enjoy the evening."

Jungkook hesitated, clearly unconvinced. But before he could press further, Taehyung leaned in, his voice low and taunting. "You know, it must be hard for her to pretend everything is perfect. But the past doesn't just disappear, Yoonji."

Yoonji's composure began to crack. "I said enough!" she snapped, surprising herself with the force of her voice. The party noise seemed to fade away, leaving only the tension hanging in the air.

"Yoonji?" Jungkook's voice was a mix of concern and confusion.

"I'm fine," she insisted, but her heart raced as the memories of her past threatened to overwhelm her. She took a step back, creating distance. "Let's just go, Jungkook."

Taehyung chuckled, watching them. "Run away, Yoonji. Just like always."

Jungkook's expression hardened. "You don't get to talk to her like that."

"Why not? It's the truth," Taehyung shot back, clearly enjoying the confrontation. "She can't escape who she really is."

Yoonji felt her breath catch, torn between defending herself and protecting her relationship with Jungkook. She turned to him, desperation in her eyes. "Let's just leave. Please."

Jungkook looked at her, then back at Taehyung, frustration etched on his features. He took her hand firmly, leading her away from the confrontation. "We're going."

Once outside, the cool night air hit her like a splash of cold water. Yoonji leaned against the wall, trying to steady her racing heart. "I'm so sorry, Jungkook. I didn't mean to—"

"You don't have to apologize," he interrupted, concern flooding his voice. "But you need to talk to me. What's going on?"

Yoonji hesitated, feeling the weight of her past pressing down on her. She wanted to share everything, to let him in, but fear held her back. "It's complicated."

"Complicated how?" Jungkook pressed, searching her eyes for answers.

"I just... I can't," she said, shaking her head. "I can't let you see that side of me. It's better if you don't know."

His expression shifted from confusion to determination. "Yoonji, whatever it is, you don't have to face it alone. I'm here for you."

But in that moment, Yoonji felt more alone than ever, caught between her desire for connection and the shadows of her past. She took a deep breath, resolving to keep her history hidden for now, even as it threatened to resurface.

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