Love in the Shadows (KTH x reader x JJK) (18+)

Chapter 44

Y/N POV-

The sun had just begun to set, casting a warm glow over the city as I made my way to the restaurant. Tonight was our team connect dinner, a chance for everyone to unwind and bond outside of the office. I took a deep breath, hoping the evening would provide a much-needed distraction from the chaos of the past few days. My mind kept drifting to Taehyung and Irene, but I forced myself to focus on the present. As I approached the entrance, I straightened my posture and put on a brave face, ready to face whatever the night would bring.

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The restaurant was already buzzing with activity when I arrived. The soft hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses provided a welcoming backdrop. I scanned the room and spotted Jin, Mina, Jaehyun, and Hyunsoo seated at a large round table near the back. I made my way over, trying to shake off the unease that had been gnawing at me all day.

"Y/N, over here!" Jaehyun waved enthusiastically as he saw me approaching.

"Hey, everyone," I greeted, forcing a smile as I took a seat between Jaehyun and Mina.

"Glad you could make it," Mina said warmly. "How was your day?"

"It was alright," I replied, trying to keep my tone light. "Just the usual."

Jaehyun, always the social butterfly, leaned forward with a mischievous grin. "So, guys, let's spice up this dinner. How about we talk about our love lives? Who's seeing who these days?"

"Great idea," Jin chuckled. "I'm sure there's plenty to share."

Mina laughed, "Well, I guess I'll start. I'm seeing someone new. His name is Jiho, and he's a graphic designer. We met at an art exhibit."

"That's awesome," Jaehyun said, genuinely interested. "How's it going?"

"Really well," Mina replied, her cheeks turning slightly pink. "He's incredibly sweet and supportive. It's still new, but I have a good feeling about it."

"That's great to hear," Hyunsoo said. "I've been single for a while now, focusing on work. But who knows, maybe I'll meet someone soon."

Jaehyun turned to me, his eyes twinkling with curiosity. "What about you, Y/N? Anyone special in your life?"

I hesitated, my mind immediately drifting to Taehyung and the complicated mess that was our relationship. "Not really," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "Just focusing on myself for now."

"Fair enough," Jaehyun nodded. "Jin, how about you?"

Jin grinned. "I've been seeing someone too. Her name's Hana. She's a teacher. We met through a mutual friend, and it's been going great so far."

"Wow, everyone's got something going on," Jaehyun laughed. "Except me and Y/N, of course. But that's okay, I'm happy for all of you."

At the mention of relationships, my thoughts wandered back to Taehyung. The past few weeks had been a rollercoaster, ever since he had revealed his true intentions about his revenge. He had insisted I sleep in his room, a constant reminder of our complicated dynamic. But tonight, for the first time, he hadn't bothered.

I couldn't help but glance at the door, wondering when Taehyung and Irene would arrive. The thought of them together made my stomach churn with insecurity. I tried to push it aside, but the image of them from the office was still fresh in my mind.

As if on cue, the door opened, and Taehyung walked in with Irene right beside him. They looked every bit the power couple, commanding attention as they made their way to the table. Taehyung's face was as unreadable as ever, but Irene had a smug smile that made my blood boil.