Love in the Shadows (KTH x reader x JJK) (18+)

Chapter 40 (18+)

Y/N's POV-

The past few weeks had felt like a whirlwind. The tension at the office and the cold atmosphere at the Kim Mansion remained unchanged. Taehyung's betrayal was a constant ache in my heart. He had lied about his feelings, and now I was left questioning everything. Should I forget about him and start anew? But what about my oppa? He was still in the hospital, and I had already signed that damned marriage contract with Taehyung. This contract was supposed to help my oppa, but now it felt like a chain around my neck.

Jungkook had been my only solace during this time. While my other friends were too busy to notice my struggles, Jungkook never left my side. We had grown closer, and his presence was a balm to my wounded heart.

One evening, as I was wrapping up work, my phone buzzed with a message from Jungkook. "Hey, I want to give you a treat. How about dinner at my place tonight?" it read.

A smile tugged at my lips. "Sure, I'd love that," I replied.

Jungkook's POV-

Over the past few weeks, I've watched Y/N struggle. Every moment she spent trying to cope with Taehyung's mistreatment fueled my desire to win her over, not just for her sake, but for my own plan. I know about her marriage to Taehyung, but she doesn't know that I know. To her, I'm just a supportive friend who's unaware of her true connection to her boss.

Tonight is crucial. I sent her a message, "Hey, I want to give you a treat. How about dinner at my place tonight?"

Her response was immediate, "Sure, I'd love that."

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I set the scene perfectly—romantic, yet understated. The apartment was dimly lit with candles, a table adorned with red roses, and a bottle of chilled white wine. I wanted to create an atmosphere where she could feel safe yet intrigued.

When she arrived, I greeted her with a warm hug. "Come in, Y/N. I've prepared a special dinner for you."

She smiled, looking around appreciatively. "Wow, Jungkook, this is beautiful."

I guided her to the table, pouring her a glass of wine. "Only the best for you."

As we ate, I leaned in, my voice soft and inviting. "How have you been holding up, Y/N?"

She sighed, her eyes reflecting her weariness. "It's been tough, Jungkook. The situation at the office is unbearable, and Taehyung... he doesn't make it any easier."

I reached across the table, my fingers brushing hers. "You deserve so much better, Y/N. You deserve someone who appreciates you."

She looked up, a hint of vulnerability in her eyes. "Thank you, Jungkook. You've been the only one keeping me sane."

I smiled, letting my fingers linger a little longer. "That's what friends are for. But Y/N, you shouldn't have to endure this pain."

She nodded, looking conflicted. "I know, but it's complicated. There's my oppa to think about, and this... work situation."

I leaned closer, my voice dropping to a whisper. "We could figure it out together. You don't have to do this alone."

She seemed to soften, her guard slowly lowering. "You've always been so good to me, Jungkook."

I flashed her a charming smile, my hand still gently holding hers. "Because I care about you, Y/N. More than you know."

As the evening progressed, I made sure to keep the conversation light, filled with laughter and subtle touches. Each laugh and each smile from her made me more confident. I could see the way she looked at me was changing.