IN THE PRESENCE OF YOUR ABSENCE

CHAPTER 27

There were several pictures of Mr. Jeon at different events—some smiling, others looking serious, deep in conversation with various people Y/N didn't recognize. But the sight of them ignited a flicker of realization in her. Jungwoon's connection to Jungkook was becoming more tangible, more complicated.

Y/N's heart raced as she sifted through more items. She found a newspaper clipping dated years ago, detailing a charity event hosted by the Jeon family, showcasing their influence and wealth. It was a stark reminder of Jungkook's background, a world she had only glimpsed.

"Why does Jungwoon have these?" she pondered, her mind racing with questions. "What does this all mean? Does Jungwoon have ties to Jungkook's family that he hasn't revealed?"

Just then, a flicker of movement in the corner of her eye made her turn sharply toward the door. Had she left it open a crack? Panic surged through her. She quickly closed the box, her heart thundering in her chest.

She couldn't afford to get caught. Whatever secrets Jungwoon was keeping, she needed to unravel them before it was too late.

"Think, Y/N, think," she whispered to herself, her mind racing. She glanced around the room for a place to hide, her pulse quickening as footsteps approached.

With a burst of instinct, she dove behind the plush armchair in the corner, trying to steady her breathing as she crouched down, praying Jungwoon wouldn't notice the door was ajar or that something was amiss.

The door creaked open, and she could see Jungwoon step inside, his demeanor relaxed yet focused. He paused, glancing around the room, as if sensing something was off. Her heart raced louder, each beat echoing in her ears.

"Y/N?" he called softly, looking for her.

She held her breath, praying he wouldn't find her. The tension in the room thickened as Jungwoon took a few steps further inside, his back to her.

"Where are you?" he mused, and for a moment, she could see a flicker of concern in his expression. Did he genuinely care, or was it all part of his façade?

As he moved closer to the desk, Y/N felt a wave of panic rise within her. She had to get out, to escape the web of secrets before it ensnared her completely.

Y/N crouched silently behind the armchair, her heart racing as Jungwoon moved around the room. He rifled through some papers on his desk, his brow furrowing in concentration. She could hear the faint sound of rain pattering against the window, blending with the tension in the air.

"Why can't I find it?" Jungwoon muttered to himself, frustration lacing his voice. He opened drawers, tossing aside items as if he were searching for something important.

Y/N's mind raced. This was her chance to gather more information, but she couldn't risk being caught. She shifted slightly, trying to get a better view of what he was doing, but the creak of the chair beneath her sent a chill of panic through her. She froze, holding her breath.

Jungwoon turned abruptly, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the room once more. "Y/N?" he called, his tone a mix of annoyance and curiosity. "If you're hiding, it's not funny."

Y/N's heart sank, but she forced herself to remain still, praying he wouldn't come closer. He resumed his search, and she took the opportunity to slip out from behind the chair, moving silently toward the door. She couldn't risk him discovering her presence in his private space.

She had strategically placed herself in the living room, the soft cushions cradling her, while she made it seem like she had been resting in the other room.