Jungkook's gaze was unreadable, his presence commanding, but V saw the flicker of recognition in his dark eyes. He knew.But before V could process what this meant, before he could even utter a word, Jungkook moved with the cold precision of a man bo...
The last guests had left, leaving only family members in the mansion. Irene's dad, still overly emotional, gripped Jackson's hand firmly.
Irene's Dad (dramatically): "You better take care of her, Jackson. My little girl... she's in your hands now."
Jackson smiled awkwardly, nodding, while Jin, already tired of the theatrics, pulled Irene's dad towards the car.
J-Hope, full of energy as always, waved them off, cracking jokes, before they finally departed.
------
As the night settled, everyone retired to their rooms, exhausted from the day's festivities.
Jungkook was wandering through the mansion, searching for Taehyung, who had disappeared since the party ended. As he passed through a dimly lit corridor, Taehyung's voice cut through the silence.
Taehyung (leaning against the wall, arms crossed): "What were you gossiping about with Bogum and Jaehyun during the party?"
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Jungkook froze for a second, trying to compose himself.
Jungkook (avoiding eye contact): "Just talking about the upcoming meeting." Taehyung smirked, stepping closer. His voice dropped an octave, filled with amusement.
"You're a terrible liar, Jungkook."
Jungkook's eyes flickered to Taehyung, frustration bubbling under the surface.
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Jungkook: "Why does it matter to you, Tae? You always have to push me-"
Taehyung (interrupting, his eyes narrowing): "Because I know you. You always hide things when it's about them. What's going on, Jungkook?"
Jungkook's breathing grew heavy, his hands clenching into fists at his sides. The intensity between them, the fire that had simmered for days, reignited. Without thinking, Jungkook grabbed Taehyung's wrist, pulling him against the wall. Their faces inches apart, the tension electrifying the air.
Jungkook: "I don't owe you an explanation for everything. But if you want a reaction, fine-here it is."
Their lips collided fiercely, the passion that had dulled reigniting like a wildfire. Jungkook's grip tightened on Taehyung's hips, and Taehyung's hands found their way into Jungkook's hair, tugging hard. It wasn't sweet or gentle; it was raw, full of pent-up frustration and desire. The argument faded into the background as they let the fire consume them once again.
---------
Jackson walked into the dimly lit office, just as Mr. Jeon was leaving. Their eyes briefly met, but no words were exchanged.
The tension in the room was thick, and Jackson knew something was off.
Jackson (eyeing his father): "Dad, anything serious?"
Mr. Kim, leaning back in his chair, waved a hand dismissively: "No, we were just talking."
Jackson stood silent for a moment, sensing there was more to it. His father was never one to reveal too much, especially when it concerned Mr. Jeon.
Mr. Kim (without looking at him): "Why are you staring? Go on."
Jackson hesitated but left the room. As he made his way back, he pulled out his phone and sent a quick message to Jaehyun.
-------
Upstairs, Jackson leaned against the bedroom door, his eyes lingering on Irene as she sat at the edge of the bed. There was always something... different about her. Not unsettling, but a kind of distance, as though she saw through people in a way that made him feel strange.
Jackson (calm, observing): "You know, it's odd... every time I look at you, I get this vibe. Like you're always ten steps ahead of me."
Irene (raising an eyebrow, smirking): "Maybe because I am."
Jackson chuckled, but there was no nervousness in him. He wasn't scared- just intrigued by the woman he married. Irene, with her sharp gaze and relentless confidence, was a puzzle he hadn't fully solved yet.
Jackson: "About the Park family... do you think it's time to bring it up? Feels like we're on the edge of something bigger."
Irene stood, walking over to him slowly, her movements fluid and controlled. "You're always thinking, Jackson. Can't you relax, even for a second?"
Jackson (smirking slightly): "With you? Hard to."
She reached up, tugging him down by his collar with deliberate force. Her lips met his in a kiss that was as bold as she was. Jackson didn't hesitate this time. He matched her intensity, letting the strangeness of the moment wash away as her body pressed against his.
The kiss deepened, their connection shifting. Irene's control was undeniable, but Jackson wasn't simply following. He allowed himself to be drawn into her pace, but he was fully aware, fully present. As she guided them towards the bed, Jackson's mind quieted, though the strange vibe lingered in the back of his thoughts. For now, though, he let it fade into the background as the night stretched on.
------
Jaehyun was just about to get into bed when Jackson's message appeared on his phone.
"Something’s up. Jeon was just here, and Dad’s hiding it."
Jaehyun frowned, the uneasiness he'd been feeling all day intensifying. He had been worried about today, sensing that something was brewing beneath the surface. Whatever Mr. Kim and Mr. Jeon discussed, it was definitely connected to the meeting in two days—he could feel it. That meeting would mark the Park family’s first major failure.
Sighing, he sat back on the bed, staring at his phone for a moment. His mind was racing, but exhaustion was creeping in, heavy and relentless. No matter how much he wanted to stay up and figure it all out, he knew that being drained wouldn’t help anyone. He needed his rest, especially with what was coming.
He quickly typed a response to Jackson:
"Got it. We’ll deal with it in the morning."
After hitting send, Jaehyun tossed his phone onto the nightstand and lay back, pulling the covers over himself. His body relaxed almost instantly, the weight of the day slowly lifting off his shoulders.
