𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗥

𝗑𝗅𝗂𝗂.

By the time Jiwon stormed out of the Chairman's office, the tension in the air was palpable. The members of Seventeen had overheard every word exchanged, and the revelation that Jiwon was dating Joshua hit them like a lightning bolt. Initially, they had hoped she was involved with Jeonghan, given the recent dating rumours. But now, as they gathered in a nearby lounge, the reality of the situation began to sink in. Joshua recounted their journey together, recalling every significant moment from their first meeting years ago to the current turmoil.

The members listened in stunned silence, a mix of shock and a hint of indignation evident on their faces. How could Jiwon keep something so monumental from them? Yet, despite their initial feelings of betrayal, their support for her was unwavering. Jeonghan remained quiet, his expression unreadable, though a couple of raised eyebrows hinted at his amusement or surprise. After a while, Joshua insisted they be given some privacy.

The drive from HYBE to their shared apartment was steeped in silence. The atmosphere inside Joshua's sleek white Maserati felt heavy, laden with unspoken thoughts and feelings. Jiwon took a moment to reflect; she felt a sense of relief that the group finally knew about her relationship with Joshua, freeing her from the burden of secrecy. Yet, the weight of the Chairman's ultimatum loomed heavily in her mind. The idea of pretending to be in love with someone else left her feeling hollow.

Upon entering their apartment, the silence continued to thicken. Joshua kicked off his shoes and tossed his flannel casually onto the couch, his movements almost automatic as if he were trying to shake off the tension of the day. Jiwon sighed deeply, opting to settle herself on one of the chairs by the kitchen island, seeking both comfort and clarity.

Joshua, who rarely resorted to drinking, rummaged through the fridge until he found a can of something potent. He plopped down beside her and cracked it open, the sound echoing in the quiet room. The sharp scent of alcohol mingled with the familiar warmth of his cologne, creating an intoxicating blend that stirred something within Jiwon. She had buried her face in her hands, feeling overwhelmed. When she finally looked up, she asked, "Are you planning on getting drunk?" Her question hung in the air, heavy with concern.

Joshua hesitated, his gaze falling to the floor. "This whole ordeal is driving me crazy," he admitted, taking a long gulp from the can before slamming it down on the counter. The moment felt raw, a reflection of the chaos swirling around them.

He broke the silence, his tone suddenly serious. "Tell me one thing truthfully." Jiwon met his intense gaze, curiosity piqued. "Please tell me you don't see Jeonghan as anything more than a friend." There was a note of desperation in his voice that made Jiwon's heart ache.

"Joshua," she replied softly, moving closer to him. She cupped his cheeks with her hands, grounding him with her gaze. "The only person I see is you," she whispered, her voice filled with sincerity. With that, she pulled him into her embrace, her fingers tangling in his hair as she cradled him against her chest, feeling the warmth of his breath against her skin.

When Joshua leaned in to kiss her, the world around them faded away. The kiss was deep and passionate, igniting a fire between them that had long been simmering beneath the surface. With a sudden shift, he lifted Jiwon effortlessly onto the kitchen counter, her legs instinctively wrapping around his waist. She pulled back for a brief moment before diving back in, their lips colliding with renewed fervour.

Their kiss was a dance of tongues, each vying for dominance as they explored the depths of their desire. When they finally broke apart, both were breathless, their chests rising and falling rapidly. Joshua cupped her face, his expression a mix of longing and determination. "Give me one chance, Jiwon. Let me make everything right."

Jiwon felt a shiver of anticipation at the intensity in his eyes, the man before her a far cry from the gentleman she had known. He exuded an aura that made her want to surrender completely to the fantasies swirling in her mind. "Give me a chance to show you how much I love you," he urged, his voice low and husky.

With a rush of emotion, Jiwon's hands tangled in his hair as she pulled him closer for another kiss. Before leaning in, she managed to whisper a soft, "Yes." Joshua's face lit up with triumph, and he lifted her off the counter, carrying her toward the nearest bedroom.

As they entered, Jiwon's fingers found their way to his shirt, deftly unbuttoning it and revealing his sculpted torso. They paused for a moment, their breaths mingling, before she pulled her own blouse over her head. Joshua dimmed the lights, the room filled with a soft glow that only heightened the anticipation.

Hovering above her, Joshua's mouth trailed from her lips to her jawline, and then to her neck, where he left tender kisses that sent shivers down her spine. His lips explored every inch of her body, drawing soft moans from her as she succumbed to the wave of pleasure. Jiwon's head fell back, her hair tangling around them as she let herself be swept away by the moment.

"Ready?" Joshua's voice was thick with desire. Jiwon nodded, but he pressed for confirmation. "I need to hear you say it." Her voice trembled as she replied, "Yes."

As Joshua's fingers found the hook of her bra, she allowed him to unfasten it, and when he slid the silk garment down her legs, she felt a rush of exhilaration. It was reminiscent of their first time together, yet now their movements were bold and confident, driven by an overwhelming need for each other. Moments later, Joshua's lips found their way back to her body, marking her before he pulled back for the ultimate.