IN THE PRESENCE OF YOUR ABSENCE

CHAPTER 23

"It's time to let the world believe I'm gone," he whispered to himself, steeling his resolve as the plane soared into the clouds, leaving behind the chaos that had once consumed him.

Once he arrived in Europe, Jungkook found a high-end stylist who helped him reinvent his appearance. He opted for a sharper hairstyle, trading in his messy black locks for a sleek, tousled look that exuded confidence. He swapped out his casual college attire for tailored suits that hugged his frame, enhancing his physique and giving him a commanding presence. The glasses he once wore were replaced with contact lenses that revealed his striking brown eyes.

He spent hours in the gym, pushing his limits to build the strength and agility he had once lacked. With each drop of sweat, he shed the remnants of his old self. He trained in combat, learning to fight with precision and skill that would ensure he could protect himself and anyone he cared about.

"You're not the same boy who used to hide behind textbooks," one of his trainers remarked, impressed by Jungkook's dedication. "You're becoming a force to be reckoned with."

Jungkook only nodded, the words resonating deeply within him. He was done being weak; he was ready to reclaim his life and take control of his destiny. He was no longer just Jungkook; he was now Jungwoon—a man with purpose, power, and a thirst for revenge.

Once the transformation was complete, Jungkook adopted a new persona. He surrounded himself with loyal associates, cultivating an image of a ruthless mafia leader who commanded respect and instilled fear. He played the part flawlessly, ensuring that no one would ever connect him to his past.

As he stepped into the underworld, he embraced his new identity wholeheartedly. He was no longer the shy, timid boy Y/N once knew; he was Jungwoon, a man hardened by loss and driven by vengeance. And as he settled into his role, he vowed that he would do whatever it took to protect Y/N—even if it meant sacrificing everything he had built.

He never expected to see Y/n ever again..he had made up his mind to stay single till he dies cause the only woman he loved was Y/n and will only love her. He wanted Y/n to move on and live her life with Taehyung in Korea as he planned.

But destiny never follows the planned way.

FLASHBACK ENDS

"Exactly," Y/N said, her voice trembling slightly. "And now, I feel lost without him."

"What about you? Why are you so interested in what happened to me?" Y/N asked, her voice steady despite the vulnerability she felt.

Jungwoon leaned back, his gaze thoughtful as he considered his response. "I guess I just have a soft spot for people who seem to be carrying the world on their shoulders. It reminds me of... well, someone I used to know."

Y/N's brow furrowed at his cryptic answer. "What do you mean? Someone you used to know?"

He hesitated for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "Just someone who had a tough time and didn't deserve the pain they went through. I can relate to that."

Y/N studied him, sensing a depth to his words that intrigued her. "You seem different from most people I've met. Why do you care so much?"

He offered a faint smile. "Maybe because I know how lonely it can feel. People often don't understand what others are going through. It's easy to get lost in that."

As Y/N processed his words, her thoughts drifted back to Jungkook and everything that had happened. She felt a pang of regret and longing. "I didn't want to feel this way anymore. I thought moving on would be easy."

"Moving on isn't easy for anyone," Jungwoon said gently. "It's a process, and it takes time. Sometimes, it helps to talk about it, to let it out."

Y/N looked down at her tea, the steam rising softly in the air. "I just wish I could go back and change things."

"What would you change?" he asked, his voice low and steady.

She sighed, her heart aching at the memories. "I'd want to understand Jungkook better. I wish I could have done something to help him."

Jungwoon's expression shifted slightly, his eyes darkening for a brief moment. "Sometimes, it's not about what you can do. It's about what they're willing to accept."

Y/N caught the hint of something in his tone, a shadow of sadness that resonated with her own pain. "I guess that's true. But it doesn't make it any easier."

"No, it doesn't. But you're stronger than you realize, Y/N. You'll find your way through this," Jungwoon reassured her, his gaze unwavering.

Y/N felt a flicker of hope ignite within her. In that moment, she wanted to believe him, to trust that she could heal and move forward. But the memory of Jungkook and the tangled web of emotions still loomed large in her heart.

Suddenly, a loud clap of thunder echoed outside, pulling her back to the present. She looked up, startled, and caught Jungwoon watching her intently, his expression unreadable.

"Are you okay?" he asked, concern creeping into his voice.

"Yeah, just a little jumpy," Y/N admitted, forcing a smile.

"The storm is pretty intense," he remarked lightly, trying to shift the mood. "Why don't we distract ourselves? Do you enjoy movies?"

Her eyes brightened at the suggestion. "I love movies! It could be a nice way to take my mind off things."

"Great! I have a decent collection," Jungwoon replied with a grin, standing up and heading toward a nearby shelf lined with DVDs. "What genre do you prefer? Comedy, romance, or maybe something thrilling?"

Y/N thought for a moment, a smile creeping onto her face. "Let's go with comedy. I could use a good laugh."

Jungwoon chuckled as he selected a movie. "Perfect choice. Laughter is the best medicine, after all."

As he set up the movie, Y/N felt a sense of ease wash over her, grateful for Jungwoon's kindness. Maybe this was exactly what she needed—a break from reality, even if just for a little while. As the opening credits began to roll, she couldn't shake the feeling that perhaps there was more to Jungwoon than met the eye. But for now, she decided to focus on the moment, allowing herself to indulge in the lightness of the film.