The next morning dawned with a buzz across social media, flooded with glamorous photos and videos from the previous night's grand event. Pictures of Y/N and Taehyung stole the spotlight, capturing them in moments of poised elegance on the dance floor, while even candid shots of Jungkook and his intense gaze didn't go unnoticed. It was a feast for the public, and the names of the elite filled the trending feeds, a virtual reminder of the opulent gathering and the alliances showcased.
Yet in the quiet solitude of his office, Jungkook was far from the cheerful, polished image plastered across the internet. He sat behind his desk, posture stiff, as his secretary carefully placed an envelope before him-a letter that had arrived in the early hours, with no return address, no sender details, only his name scrawled across the front. His jaw clenched as he tore open the envelope, his fingers curling tightly around the edges of the paper.
Inside was a single note, brief but dripping with mockery:
________
"Jeon,
Couldn't find the culprit yet, tsk tsk."
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The words were scrawled in a handwriting that seemed almost playful, as if whoever wrote it had taken great pleasure in taunting him. Jungkook's eyes scanned the lines over and over, each word striking like a blow. A slow burn of anger settled into his chest, his grip on the note tightening until his knuckles whitened.
His eyes darkened, a shadow passing over his usually calm expression. He had received taunting messages before, threats that he dismissed as empty bravado, but this felt different. The words crawled under his skin, igniting a fury that he struggled to contain. Whoever this is, he thought, they're playing a dangerous game.
He crumpled the note slowly, the sound harsh in the quiet of his office, and his gaze lifted, icy and intense. His secretary, watching from a respectful distance, could feel the shift in the room, the suffocating tension radiating from him.
"Sir...should I...investigate further?" she asked cautiously, her voice barely above a whisper.
Jungkook let out a slow breath, trying to reign in the blaze simmering beneath the surface. His lips curved into a grim, almost sinister smile. "No need," he said, voice steady but laced with steel. "They're leaving a trail, whether they realize it or not."
His secretary nodded, relief mingling with uncertainty as she took a step back, leaving him to his thoughts. Once alone, Jungkook's fingers tapped rhythmically against the surface of his desk, his mind calculating his next steps. Whoever was behind this was playing on his pride, his relentless drive to control and protect his empire. They wanted to unsettle him, but he was determined to find them before they could strike again.
He reached for his phone, dialing a trusted number, his tone cold and calculated. "Find out everything you can about last night. I want to know who had access to me, who was near me, even for a second," he ordered, his voice firm. "This ends soon."
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The nightmare left Y/N shaken, her breathing ragged as she awoke in the early hours, drenched in cold sweat. The memory of the disturbing vision clung to her mind, shadows of fear lingering even as she took slow, steady breaths to calm herself. She brushed the damp strands of hair from her forehead, her fingers trembling slightly, and checked the time-a sliver of night remained before dawn. Restless and tense, she knew sleep wouldn't return, so she decided to channel the energy elsewhere.
Changing into a fitted workout set that hugged her frame and offered movement, she made her way down to the private gym nestled in the underground level of their estate. The cool air of the room greeted her as she entered, but she wasn't alone. Her half-brother Minhyuk and another man, unfamiliar but close in age to Minhyuk, were running side-by-side on the treadmills, engaged in light conversation. As the doors opened, both heads turned, their gazes landing on her.
Minhyuk raised an eyebrow, a smirk curling on his lips as he slowed his pace, while his friend-eyes lingering on her form with unguarded interest-gave her an appraising look. Y/N noted the way his gaze swept over her without a hint of subtlety. Ignoring them both, she walked briskly to the weights area, determined to let off steam without being drawn into Minhyuk's predictable taunts.
But he seemed in the mood to push her buttons this morning.
"Well, well," he drawled, hopping off the treadmill and casually approaching her. "Surprised to see you up so early. Or did your little dreams wake you up again?" His tone carried a subtle sneer, the mocking edge unmistakable.
Y/N's jaw clenched slightly as she continued her warm-up, not sparing him a glance. "Nice of you to care, Minhyuk," she replied coolly, bending to stretch with precise, focused movements. "Though I'd rather work out in peace."
His friend, evidently emboldened by Minhyuk's presence, chimed in with a smirk. "Seems a shame, doesn't it? Seeing someone so... tense at this hour." He leaned against a nearby weight rack, eyeing her with a smirk. "Wouldn't mind helping you out with that."
She shot him a flat, unimpressed look, the edge of her gaze icy as she returned to her exercise. "I'd say my routine's just fine without the help," she replied curtly, voice laced with indifference.
Minhyuk chuckled, undeterred, and leaned forward slightly, dropping his voice. "Oh, come on, Y/N. You could at least try to enjoy a little family time. Or is even small talk too much for you?"
She finally straightened, meeting his gaze with a measured stare. "Family time? Forgive me, Minhyuk, but I prefer productive mornings. If you need to waste yours, that's on you."
He smirked, feigning innocence, but the glint in his eyes was sharper. "I see. Still think you're above everyone, don't you? Might be a good idea to remember that you're not the only one here who calls the shots."
She felt a flicker of anger but kept her expression neutral, her tone cutting but composed. "Thank you for the reminder. If you're finished with the commentary, I'd like to finish my workout."
Minhyuk gave a mock sigh, gesturing to his friend as they moved back to the treadmills. "Alright, alright. Keep living in that little bubble of yours." He smirked one last time before starting his run again, his voice trailing back to her. "Just remember-you won't always be in control."
As she resumed her exercises, Y/N's focus sharpened, his words fueling her resolve rather than diminishing it. She wouldn't let him rattle her, not now, not ever.
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Very short part, I know 🥀 Actually I'm busy with family vacation.
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