Veil of Vengeance | JUNGKOOK FF

Chapter 53

As Y/N stepped out of the taxi, she felt a wave of nostalgia wash over her. The small, ancient house on Jeju Island looked just as it had years ago: rustic, cozy, and radiating a sense of peace. It was surrounded by overgrown bushes, vibrant with wildflowers, and an old wooden fence that gave the property an endearing charm. This house, with its soft amber lighting and the faint smell of earth and herbs, had been her sanctuary once, a place where her broken soul had found rest and warmth during her darkest days.

Y/N took a deep breath, allowing herself a moment to embrace the calm before walking up to the house. She raised her hand, hesitated, and then softly called out, "Halmeoni!"

The door opened almost immediately, and a familiar, gentle face appeared. Mrs. Ryu's warm smile spread across her face, her eyes crinkling with joy as she saw Y/N standing there.

"Oh, my little Y/N!" Halmeoni exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine delight. She hurried over, her movements slightly slow with age but still lively. She wrapped Y/N in a tight embrace, patting her back with a comforting rhythm. "What a surprise! You didn't tell me you were coming."

Y/N melted into the hug, her body finally relaxing after days of mental strain. She whispered, "Halmeoni, I needed to be here. I missed you and harabeoji."

Halmeoni pulled back, her eyes now studying Y/N's face closely. "Aigoo, you look so tired, my child. Are you eating well? Is everything alright?"

Before Y/N could answer, a deep voice came from inside the house. "Who's at the door, love?"

It was Mr. Ryu, or harabeoji as Y/N fondly called him, slowly making his way to the door with a curious expression. When he saw her, his face lit up with a grin that made Y/N's heart swell.

"Ah, our Y/N is back!" he said, extending his arms out to her. She hugged him tightly, feeling the familiar roughness of his sweater and the comforting scent of old books and pine.

"Come in, come in," Halmeoni said, ushering her inside. She closed the door behind them and guided Y/N into the cozy living room, where a fire crackled softly in the hearth.

As they all settled onto the well-worn sofas, Halmeoni reached out and took Y/N's hand in her own. Her voice was gentle but filled with concern. "Y/N-ah, why did you come here all of a sudden? Did something happen?"

Y/N hesitated, looking down at her hands. She had always come to the Ryus when she felt overwhelmed, and now that she was here, it felt right to share her burden.

After a moment, she spoke softly, "I... I don't really know where to begin. There's been a lot going on, and I just felt... lost." She looked up, meeting both their gazes. "It's about Ji Eun, Halmeoni. You remember her, right?"

Mrs. Ryu's expression softened even more, and she nodded slowly. "Of course, I remember, my dear. You were heartbroken when she passed."

Y/N took a shaky breath, then continued, "Recently, someone I know... someone important in my life... they believe that I was responsible for what happened to her." She blinked away the tears that threatened to fall. "And no matter what I say or do, I can't seem to change their mind. It's been eating away at me, and I couldn't bear it anymore. So... I came here."

Mr. Ryu leaned forward, his brow furrowing. "Who would say such a thing? Anyone who knows you knows how much you loved Ji Eun. They're wrong, Y/N, and you don't deserve to carry that blame."

Halmeoni squeezed Y/N's hand gently. "Oh, child, I can see how much this is hurting you." She reached over to brush a stray hair from Y/N's face. "But it's good you came here. This place has always helped you heal."

Y/N managed a small smile. "I didn't even book a return flight," she admitted. "I thought maybe I could stay a few days, or however long you'd have me."