Aaira's body gave out sometime during the night, exhaustion dragging her into a restless sleep despite the turmoil swirling within her. Even in her dreams, Jungkook loomed like a shadow, his presence suffocating. It was as though her subconscious had accepted the cage she found herself in, locking her in a nightmare she couldn't escape from.
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When she woke up with a start, her chest heaved as if she had been running. For a brief second, the events of the night before were a blur. But then her surroundings came into focus. Her head was buried in the pillow, but the weight against her side brought everything rushing back.
Jungkook's arm was draped possessively over her waist, his body pressing against her as he slept peacefully. Aaira froze, her breath caught in her throat as disgust and panic filled her. Slowly, she shifted, trying to ease out of his grip without waking him. Before she could move further, the sound of knocking shattered the silence.
Rosanne: "Good morning, newlyweds! Wake up!"
Rosanne's cheerful voice rang through the door, startling Aaira. She blinked, her heart racing as the knock came again, louder this time. The voice changed suddenly, now belonging to Yumi, Jungkook's older brother Hoseok's wife.
Yumi: "Eonnie is calling you both downstairs! Come on, don't keep everyone waiting!"
For a moment, Aaira felt disoriented. The light streaming through the windows made the room feel surreal, as though the events of the previous day had been nothing more than a bad dream. She buried her head in the pillow, trying to shut out the noise. The knock continued, persistent and loud, and Aaira groaned softly in frustration.
As she tried to shift toward the light, Jungkook stirred beside her. His grip on her tightened momentarily, pulling her closer in his half-asleep state. She turned her head and saw him lying there, his face relaxed in sleep.
The memory of his actions last night hit her like a tidal wave. Her heart sank, and a wave of nausea washed over her. With all the strength she could muster, she shoved his arm off her, earning a groan of protest from him.
Jungkook: "What happened?"
Jungkook mumbled, his voice thick with sleep. Aaira sat up, her body stiff and tense, ignoring him. The knocking outside continued, Yumi now calling out again.
Yumi: "Newlyweds! Hurry up! Eonnie's waiting for you two!"
The audacity of this family to act as though everything was normal made Aaira's blood boil. Her fists clenched the blanket as the memories of the contract, the threats, and the nightmare of the previous night came flooding back. How could they pretend everything was fine when her entire world had been turned upside down?
Aaira: "Let go."
Aaira said sharply, her voice trembling with suppressed anger. She nudged Jungkook again, more forcefully this time. Jungkook blinked awake, a slow smile spreading across his face as his gaze settled on her.
