Her Secret: A Tale of Love and Betrayal

Chapter 19

The cafe was quiet, the soft clink of cups and low hum of conversation blending with the cool evening air. Yumi sat across from Jungkook, her fingers fiddling with the straw in her drink, her eyes distant.

"Oppa..." Yumi's voice was quiet, almost hesitant, as she looked up from her drink, her usual spark dimmed. "I... I want to stay at your place tonight."

The request was simple, but it surprised him. 

Jungkook studied her for a moment, sensing the underlying exhaustion in her tone. Her cheeks were flushed with tiredness, and her eyes were clouded with something he couldn't quite place. Without a word, he nodded and stood up, picking up his jacket. "Come on, Yumi. Let's go."

She didn't protest as he led her out of the cafe and into his car, and for the duration of the drive, she leaned against the window, the soft rhythm of the car tires lulling her into a doze. Jungkook kept glancing at her, watching how her small, tired form seemed to curl in on itself as she fought to stay awake. But her eyelids were heavy, the exhaustion weighing on her more than she let on.

By the time they reached his house, Yumi had already fallen asleep, her head tilted gently against the window, a peaceful expression on her face despite the lingering tension in her body.

Jungkook opened the door, his heart a little heavier seeing her like this. His baby sister who he would fight the world for. He moved around to her side of the car, careful not to jostle her too much. With ease, he slid his arms under her, lifting her gently in his arms. She didn't stir, her small hands resting against his chest, her breath warm against his neck.

"Cupcake..." he whispered softly, but she didn't respond.

He couldn't help but smile a little, that familiar warmth flooding his chest as he carried her inside. 

Once inside, Jungkook walked straight to his bedroom, careful not to wake her. He laid her down gently on the bed, pulling the soft covers over her. She stirred slightly, but her eyes didn't open. He stood over her for a moment, watching the way her face softened as she finally relaxed into the pillow, the tension in her body melting away.

It made him ache, seeing her like this. He should have kept her close to him. But the fear of something happen to her because of his profession made him to keep her somewhere no one suspects.

He knelt down beside her, brushing a few stray strands of hair out of her face, his hand lingering for a moment on her soft skin. He smiled softly, his heart swelling with a mixture of affection and protectiveness. He wished he could do more for her, take away the struggles she carried alone, but for now, he just wanted to be here, in this quiet space, giving her the comfort she needed.

He stood up to leave, but then—just as his fingers touched the doorknob—he felt it.

A small tug at his shirt.

He froze.

Turning slowly, Jungkook found Yumi's hand weakly clutching the hem of his shirt, her fingers trembling just slightly. Her eyes were barely open, a small sliver of consciousness peeking through the haze of sleep.

"Oppa..." Her voice was soft, little more than a breath, but there was something fragile in it—something small and helpless that made his heart tighten. But she eventually fell asleep.

He sat beside her and kissed her forehead and said, "I love you Yumi".

To Be Continued...