His Cold Heart J.JK

Chapter 23: Confronting the Past

  Yoonji stared at her phone, heart racing as she read Taehyung's message once more. "We need to talk. Meet me at the café." She felt a familiar wave of anxiety wash over her, memories of their last encounter flooding her mind.

"Are you okay?" Jungkook's voice broke through her thoughts. He had been watching her closely, concern etched on his face.

"It's Taehyung," she admitted, her voice barely a whisper. "He wants to meet."

Jungkook's expression hardened. "You don't have to go, you know. I can handle it if you want me to."

Yoonji shook her head, torn between the urge to run away and the need to face her past. "I have to do this. But I don't want to go alone."

"Then I'll come with you," he said firmly, determination shining in his eyes. "You're not facing this alone."

As they made their way to the café, Yoonji's heart pounded in her chest. Memories of Taehyung's mocking laughter and cutting words haunted her. She remembered the way he had belittled her decisions, reminding her of her failures.

Flashback: The Manipulation

Yoonji stood in her old home, Taehyung lounging on the couch, smirking as he recounted stories of their childhood. "You really think you can just leave? You're one of us, Yoonji. You can't outrun your family's reputation."

His words echoed in her mind as they arrived at the café. She took a deep breath, trying to steel herself for the confrontation ahead.

The café was bustling with activity, but Yoonji felt completely isolated as they entered. She spotted Taehyung sitting at a corner table, his relaxed demeanor a stark contrast to the storm brewing inside her.

"Yoonji," he greeted with a sly smile, his eyes flickering to Jungkook beside her. "Nice of you to finally show up."

"Let's get this over with," Yoonji replied, keeping her voice steady despite the nervousness gnawing at her.

As they sat down, Taehyung leaned back, his confidence palpable. "So, you're really serious about this new life, huh? Dating a CEO? That's a bold move for someone like you."

Jungkook tensed beside her, but Yoonji placed a calming hand on his arm. "I'm not here to discuss my choices, Taehyung. Just tell me what you want."

Flashback: The Breaking Point

Taehyung chuckled, leaning forward. "What I want is for you to remember where you came from. You think you can just forget about us? About our family?"

The memory of the day she finally stood up to him rushed back. "You're nothing without us, Yoonji," he had sneered, moments before she had gathered the courage to walk away, the taste of defiance sweet on her lips.

Present: Standing Her Ground

"Yoonji," Taehyung continued, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "you're playing with fire. You think Jungkook really knows you? What if I told him the truth about you? About our family?"

Yoonji felt a surge of anger. "You don't know anything about me, Taehyung. I'm not the scared girl you used to manipulate. I've built a life for myself, and I won't let you ruin it."

Just then, the door swung open, and Jungkook stood frozen at the entrance. The tension in the room escalated as he stepped forward, eyes narrowing at Taehyung. "What's going on here?"

Yoonji felt a wave of relief wash over her as Jungkook positioned himself protectively beside her. "Yoonji, are you okay?" he asked, concern lacing his voice.

"I'm fine," she replied, her gaze shifting back to Taehyung. "We were just having a discussion."

"A discussion?" Taehyung laughed mockingly. "More like a farewell. You're too far gone to come back, Yoonji."

"Stop it," Jungkook interjected, his tone firm. "Whatever past you think you have with her, it doesn't matter now. Yoonji is strong, and she doesn't need your approval."

"Strong?" Taehyung shot back, eyes glinting with mischief. "I see a girl who's still running away. You really think he's going to stick around when he learns who you truly are?"

Yoonji clenched her fists, the memories threatening to surface again, but this time she wouldn't let them. "I'm not running away from anything," she asserted, meeting Taehyung's gaze with newfound confidence. "I've moved on, and I'm proud of where I am. You don't scare me anymore."

Taehyung's expression darkened. "You're making a mistake, Yoonji. You think you can just forget your family? I'm only a message away if you want to remember the truth."

As he stood to leave, Yoonji felt her heart race, fear creeping back in. She glanced at Jungkook, who looked equally troubled.

"Don't listen to him," Jungkook whispered, his grip on her hand tightening. "You're not alone in this."

As Taehyung walked out, Yoonji took a shaky breath, feeling the weight of the confrontation lift slightly. But the threat of her past lingered in the air, and she knew this wasn't over.

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