𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗥

𝗑𝗅𝗂𝗂𝗂.

"Morning, sweetheart," Joshua said softly, gently nudging Jiwon awake. She smiled unconsciously, instinctively wrapping her arms around his neck. "Morning," she replied, her voice still husky from sleep. But suddenly, a sharp pain shot through her lower abdomen, causing her to draw in a sharp breath. "Damn it," she cursed under her breath.

"What's wrong?" Joshua asked, concern lacing his voice as he studied her face. "Nothing," Jiwon replied, though the pain gradually eased, leaving her feeling slightly embarrassed. "Could you pass me a shirt?" she asked, trying to shift her focus. Joshua, already dressed and looking effortlessly handsome, rushed to fetch a graphic white shirt of his.

"Dress up, alright? Then we'll have breakfast," he instructed, his tone light yet firm. Jiwon nodded gratefully, and as he turned to shut the door behind him, she slipped into the shirt, feeling its soft fabric against her skin. Making her way to the restroom, she brushed her teeth and stepped into the shower, letting the warm water cascade down her back, washing away the remnants of sleep. After fifteen minutes, she emerged, towel-drying her hair before slipping into a comfortable silk dress and braiding her hair neatly.

The enticing scent of toasted bread and pasta wafted through the air as Jiwon entered the kitchen. Joshua was already seated at the table, the food laid out invitingly before him, though his plate was still empty as he scrolled through his phone. When he caught sight of her, his face lit up with a broad smile. "I was starving," he said, motioning for her to sit down. The aroma of freshly cooked pasta filled the room, making Jiwon's stomach growl in anticipation.

"This is so good, oh my god!" Jiwon exclaimed after taking her first bite. Joshua chuckled, clearly pleased with her reaction. "Never knew my boyfriend was such a good cook," she teased, her eyes sparkling. "I'm good at everything, am I not?" he responded playfully, a mischievous glint in his eyes. Jiwon laughed and pulled out her phone to snap a few pictures of the beautifully arranged meal.

"I am so bragging about this to Jayoung," she said, still grinning. "By the way, Eric called me a few days ago," Joshua mentioned between bites. "What'd he say?" Jiwon asked, sipping the refreshing peach iced tea he had prepared for her. "Nothing much, just checking in. He also asked if I knew who you were dating," he added with a teasing smile. "Jayoung's been swamped with court work, so I bet she's dying to know," Jiwon replied, finishing her pasta.

"Probably. So, what's on your schedule for today?" Joshua inquired as he cleared the empty bowls from the table. Jiwon helped him with the glasses, placing them in the dishwasher. "I don't have anything until the evening. We're releasing the 'Stargazer' music video and the album tonight, then I have a team dinner and some music shows to attend," she explained, leaning against the counter.

Joshua nodded, his strong arms crossed over his chest, looking effortlessly stylish in a simple black Ralph Lauren shirt and white trousers, a Rolex watch casually glistening on his wrist. "What about you?" Jiwon asked, clearing her throat and hoping to divert the conversation. Joshua smirked, having caught her glancing at him. "Well, my day involves," he said, stepping closer, "making you fall in love with me even more." His sly grin made her blush as she playfully pushed him away and waltzed out of the kitchen.

"You've got mail from Harvard," he called out abruptly, his expression shifting to one of curiosity. "Why do you have mail from Harvard?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. "I don't plan on staying in the music industry forever," Jiwon replied, crossing her legs comfortably on the couch. Joshua plopped down beside her, intrigued. "So, you're becoming a professor?" he asked with a teasing tone. "No, silly! I'm doing a fashion design and business course," Jiwon informed him, a hint of pride in her voice.

"From Harvard? Damn, you are smart," he said, genuinely impressed. Jiwon struck a playful pose, "That, I am!" She stood up, ready to fetch the mail, but paused to turn back, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Say, honey, why don't we call the boys up for lunch? Let's have something good," she suggested. Joshua smiled warmly, "On it," he replied, pulling out his phone.

Jiwon mirrored his smile as she stepped outside their apartment, her hair flowing behind her like a curtain. The mailbox was overflowing with letters, and as she scanned through them, most were from Harvard, with a few bills mixed in. One unmarked envelope caught her eye, its lack of stamps or address sending a chill down her spine. With a mix of curiosity and trepidation, she pocketed the other letters and carefully opened the mysterious envelope.

The neat scrawl inside sent a wave of dread through her:

"Dear dear. I thought my first scheme would work. Shame it didn't. I was hoping the fans would make your life hell if they knew you had something with Jeonghan, just like you made mine. Joshua should've been mad that his ex is dating his best friend. Oh well, we'll see. I'm still looking for revenge. I won't stop, mind that, Jiwon."

Jiwon felt her heart drop. Who was this person, and how did they know so much about her and Joshua? The reference to her as his ex sent her mind racing—did they know about her past? Panic surged through her veins as she realised this person must have been the one to leak the photos. It was evident from the lack of address and stamps that they knew where she lived. Her eyes widened in fear, her thoughts spiralling into chaos.

Just then, she heard the door open behind her. Quickly, she pocketed the letter and forced a smile onto her face. "Honey? The boys agreed they're coming in a few minutes," Joshua called out, his voice cheerful. Jiwon nodded, but Joshua's brows furrowed with concern. "You alright?" he asked, sensing something was off.

"I'm fine. Just a little dizzy," she said, trying to sound casual as she ushered him closer. Joshua wrapped his arms around her, accepting her sudden embrace without question. He closed the door and led her back inside. "Come on, I'll get you some medicine," he said gently.

As Jiwon felt his heart beating beneath her ear, she closed her eyes, finding comfort in his presence. Anything but Joshua couldn't know about the letter. "It was just a prank," she told herself, desperately trying to quell the rising dread. Yet deep down, she knew this was no mere prank. This person knew where she lived, and they might be the ones who had released her previous address. The threat of revenge and endless possibilities loomed ominously, twisting her stomach in knots and leaving her feeling more vulnerable than ever. When Joshua asked her again if she were okay, Jiwon nodded her head and pressed herself against his sculpted chest even more. At least she was safe with him.