Alive

Between Beeps and Breaths

At the company building, everything felt sharper. He dismissed you with a curt "Wait here" before disappearing into his office.

Jinyoung glanced up from his computer, his eyes softening when they landed on you. "Hey, Y/N."

You said nothing.

It took him only a moment to piece it together. "Let me guess... he doesn't want me to talk to you?"

A hesitant nod confirmed it.

Jinyoung leaned back, sighing. "Then just listen, okay? Take care of him for me. That man you're with... he'll protect you through more than you realize. Sure, he's hard on the outside, but he's listening. Always listening." His voice carried weight, as if it held truths you weren't ready to face.

Before you could respond, the sharp click of heels drew your attention.

A stunning woman entered—black curls cascading over her shoulders, a tight pink dress hugging her figure like it was made for her. She leaned casually against Jinyoung's desk, eyes glinting.

"And who's this?" she asked, gesturing toward you with a manicured finger.

"Ah—Y/N, meet Lim Bong-Cha," Jinyoung said with a small smile. "She's CEO Lim's older sister."

Your breath caught. Sister. You bowed politely, words stuck in your throat.

"Nice to meet you, cutie," she said with a wink, her confidence almost overwhelming. She looked like perfection embodied—her beauty sharp, undeniable, the kind that made you question your own reflection.

"Is Jaebeom in his office?" she asked casually.

"Yes, ma'am," Jinyoung replied. "He's speaking with the Kim family on the phone."

"The Kim family?" you echoed, tilting your head.

Bong-Cha giggled lightly, her charm effortless. "You'll find out tonight, I'm sure. There's a dinner. The Kims are... interesting."

The office door clicked open then, and Jaebeom emerged, irritation lacing his tone. "Bong-Cha. What do you need?"

Her smile widened knowingly. "You never told this poor girl about me. Or our family. Hm, Jae?"

"As I said—what do you need?" His voice was ice.

She ignored his sharpness, walking closer until her hand reached for a strand of your hair. Jaebeom immediately stepped between you, his eyes flaring. "Don't touch her."

You placed a hand on his shoulder nervously. "It's okay—"

But he brushed your hand away, his voice cold and possessive. "I am the only one who touches you. Understand?"

Your heart raced. Quickly, you nodded. "Y-Yes."

Bong-Cha's eyes narrowed. "She's not your toy, Jae."

"Maybe not," he said evenly. "But she is mine."

Her lips pressed into a thin line. "Give her a say."

The air thickened as both pairs of eyes fell on you.

"Y/N, what do you think?" Bong-Cha asked firmly.

Your throat tightened, words tangling. "I... I am his."

Her gaze sharpened. "Do you want to be?"

Heat rushed to your face. Jaebeom's attention turned on you, piercing. "Do you?"

The world blurred. His eyes, his presence, the weight of what this meant—it crushed and freed you all at once.

"I..." you whispered. Then, breathlessly, "Yes. Please."