Episode 9: Cracks in the Ice

Episode 9: Cracks in the Ice

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Scene: The Min Mansion – Morning.

The aftermath of the fire lingered in the air, a reminder of how close danger had come. Jimin sat by the window, staring out at the charred remains of the garden. Yoongi entered quietly, carrying two mugs of coffee.

Yoongi: "I thought you might need this."

She glanced at him but didn’t reach for the mug.

Jimin: "Thank you, but I’m not in the mood."

Yoongi placed the coffee on the table, sighing softly.

Yoongi: "Jimin, we can’t keep avoiding each other. We need to talk about what’s happening."

Jimin: (bitterly) "What’s there to talk about, Yoongi? Someone tried to burn everything down. Liza’s spreading lies about me. And you… you expect me to just act like it’s all fine?"

Her words hit him harder than he anticipated.

Yoongi: "I’m not asking you to act like it’s fine. I’m asking you to let me fix this. For us."

She looked at him, her expression unreadable.

Jimin: "Fixing things isn’t enough. You have to show me that I matter. Not just when things go wrong, but always."

Yoongi nodded, the weight of her words settling in.

Yoongi: "You’re right. And I will."

---

Scene: The Shelter – Afternoon.

Jimin was helping a young boy with his homework when one of the volunteers approached her.

Volunteer: "Jimin, there’s someone here to see you."

Confused, Jimin walked to the front entrance. Standing there was a man she didn’t recognize, holding a bouquet of flowers.

Man: "Mrs. Min? These are for you."

She hesitated before taking the flowers, a note tucked between the stems.

“Even amidst ashes, beauty can bloom. – Y”

Her heart skipped a beat as she recognized Yoongi’s handwriting.

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Scene: Yoongi’s Office – Later That Day.

Yoongi was reviewing documents when Jimin walked in, holding the bouquet.

Jimin: (raising an eyebrow) "Flowers, Yoongi? Really?"

He looked up, a small smile playing on his lips.

Yoongi: "I thought it was a good start."

She placed the bouquet on his desk, crossing her arms.

Jimin: "It’s going to take more than flowers to fix this."

Yoongi: "I know. But it’s a reminder that I’m trying."

Her resolve softened slightly, though she didn’t let it show.

Jimin: "We’ll see."

---

Scene: Liza’s Penthouse.

Liza was pacing her living room, frustration bubbling under her skin. Her attempts to sabotage Jimin had backfired, and Yoongi was slipping further from her grasp.

Her phone buzzed with a message.

“We need to meet. Urgent. – D”

Liza frowned, typing back quickly.

“Where?”

The reply came immediately.

“The usual place. Tonight.”

She smirked, her confidence returning.

Liza: (to herself) "Let’s see how much longer you last, Jimin."

---

Scene: The Min Mansion – Night.

Jimin was in the kitchen, preparing a late-night snack, when Yoongi walked in.

Yoongi: "Can’t sleep?"

She nodded, continuing to slice fruit.

Jimin: "Too much on my mind."

Yoongi leaned against the counter, watching her.

Yoongi: "If you ever want to talk, I’m here."

She paused, looking up at him.

Jimin: "Are you? Because sometimes it feels like you’re still holding back."

Her honesty caught him off guard.

Yoongi: "I don’t mean to. It’s just… I’ve made so many mistakes, Jimin. I don’t know how to make up for them."

Jimin: (softly) "By being honest. By showing me that you care, not just saying it."

Yoongi nodded, his gaze earnest.

Yoongi: "I’ll do better. I promise."

---

Scene: A Secluded Bar – Midnight.

Liza sat in a dark corner, waiting impatiently. A man in a hooded jacket slid into the seat across from her.

Liza: "You’re late."

Man: "I had to make sure I wasn’t followed. Yoongi’s people are everywhere."

She rolled her eyes, leaning closer.

Liza: "Did you get what I asked for?"

The man slid a USB drive across the table.

Man: "It’s all there. Financial records, private emails—everything to ruin Jimin’s reputation."

Liza picked up the drive, a wicked smile spreading across her face.

Liza: "Perfect. It’s time to remind Yoongi who really belongs by his side."

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Scene: Yoongi’s Study – Early Morning.

Yoongi was going through the latest reports from his investigator when he found a new file. It was a detailed report on Liza’s latest activities, including her meeting at the bar.

Yoongi: (to himself) "So she hasn’t given up."

He picked up his phone, calling his investigator.

Yoongi: "I want you to keep a close watch on Liza. Whatever she’s planning, I need to know before she makes her move."

His resolve hardened.

Yoongi: (whispering) "I won’t let her hurt Jimin again."

---

Scene: The Shelter – Morning.

Jimin arrived at the shelter, greeted by the usual warmth of the children and volunteers. But her day took a turn when a reporter approached her.

Reporter: "Mrs. Min, can you comment on the allegations against you?"

Jimin froze, confused.

Jimin: "What allegations?"

The reporter held up their phone, showing an article accusing Jimin of embezzling funds from the shelter.

Her heart sank as whispers filled the air.

Jimin: (shaking her head) "This isn’t true. I would never—"

The reporter continued pressing her, but Jimin turned away, tears threatening to fall.

---

Scene: The Min Mansion – That Evening.

Jimin stormed into the house, her emotions a mix of anger and despair. Yoongi looked up from the couch, alarmed.

Yoongi: "What happened?"

She threw a newspaper onto the table, the headline screaming accusations against her.

Jimin: "This is what happened! Your precious Liza is trying to destroy me!"

Yoongi stood, guilt and fury battling within him.

Yoongi: "I’ll handle it, Jimin. I promise."

She scoffed, tears streaming down her face.

Jimin: "You keep saying that, but nothing ever changes!"

Yoongi stepped closer, his voice steady.

Yoongi: "This time, it will. I’ll make sure of it."

---

To Be Continued...

This episode deepens the drama as Liza’s schemes escalate, causing more strain on Jimin and Yoongi’s fragile relationship. Trust and perseverance are tested as Yoongi begins to take decisive steps to protect Jimin, but the road ahead remains fraught with challenges.

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