Just A Few Numbers Away

Chapter 71

The Fortress Gates

​The sun hadn't even fully cleared the horizon when the first unmarked black van backed into the loading bay of Aen's apartment complex.

There were no shouting movers or heavy crates clattering on the sidewalk.

This was a "Ghost Move"-a silent, surgical operation coordinated by Manager Sejin to ensure that by the time the neighbors woke up for work, the unit would look as though nothing had changed.

​Inside the apartment, the air was thick with the bittersweet sting of transition.

​"You're sure you won't come, Gel?" Aen asked, pausing by the door.

​Angel leaned against the kitchen counter, looking around the living room she had shared with Aen for over two years.

"I'm sure, Ate. You and Carly need to settle into your new life together with Yoongi. But someone has to keep this place ready for when you need a break from all that luxury. This is my home."

​The goodbye was heavy.

Aen hugged her tight, feeling a pang of guilt for leaving her roommate behind.

But as Yoongi's hand settled firmly on the small of her back, she knew she had to step forward.

***

​The drive to Hannam THE HILL was a blur of tinted glass.

As the heavy iron gates slid open with a low, mechanical hum, Carly pressed her nose against the window.

"It looks like a park, Dadhie."

​"It's a big park just for us," Yoongi replied.

​The "trade-up" unit was located in the most secluded wing of the complex.

When the private elevator opened directly into the foyer, even Lana gasped.

The space was massive, flooded with natural light and smelling of the premium citrus diffusers Hobi had sent ahead.

​"Lana, your suite is down that hall," Yoongi pointed out.

"It's close to Carly's so you can be near her."

​Lana beamed, her eyes wide as she took in the marble floors.

For her, being in Korea this summer was already a dream, but living in the "Fortress" was beyond her wildest imagination.

She had insisted she didn't need a salary-just being here was enough-but Aen had been stubborn.

They settled on a "generous monthly allowance" for Lana's personal needs, though both knew it was a disguised salary for the incredible care she provided Carly while Aen and Yoongi were at work.

​"Come on, little queen!" Lana said, taking Carly's hand and stepping into her role with ease.

"Let's go find your room!"

​As their footsteps faded, the apartment fell into a profound, expensive silence.

Yoongi walked over to Aen, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind.

​"Too much?" he murmured in Korean.

​"It's incredible, Yoon. It just feels so far from where I started."

​"That's the point," he said, turning her around in his arms.

"Out there, you're the woman the world is curious about. In here, you're just mine. Just us."