Chapter 2

[Min Aera] (smiling, holding Y/N’s shoulder gently)

“Y/N, this is Jungkook. I know this is a lot, but I really want you two to get along.”

[Jungkook] (stands up from the sofa, eyes locked on Y/N for a brief moment before composing himself)

“Hey, Y/N. I’ve heard a lot about you. It’s nice to finally meet you.”

[Y/N] (crosses her arms, keeping her tone cold)

“Wish I could say the same.”

[Min Aera] (glares slightly at Y/N)

“Y/N…”

[Jungkook] (raises a hand gently)

“It’s okay. She has every right to be upset.”

[Y/N] (bitterly)

“Upset? I didn’t ask for any of this. You’re not my dad, and you never will be.”

[Jungkook] (nods, voice calm)

“I know. And I’m not trying to replace him. I just hope we can... maybe start over someday. As people who respect each other.”

[Y/N] (avoids eye contact, looking out the window)

“I don’t even know who you are. You just showed up and turned everything upside down.”

[Min Aera] (frustrated, yet trying to keep peace)

“Y/N, we’ve talked about this. I made choices for both of us, and—”

[Y/N] (cuts her off)

“No. You made choices for yourself. And now I’m stuck here with someone I don’t trust… and a life I didn’t choose.”

[Jungkook] (quiet for a beat, then gently)

“You can hate me if you want. Just don’t shut yourself away from everything. You’re stronger than that.”

(Y/N’s expression wavers slightly, but she says nothing and walks off to explore the rest of the penthouse. Jungkook watches her go, something unspoken flickering in his eyes.)

Later that evening – Dinner Table at Jungkook’s Penthouse

(The table is elegantly set. Jungkook sits at the head, Aera beside him, and Y/N across from them. The mood is tense.)

[Min Aera] (forcing a smile)

“I asked the chef to make your favorite, Y/N. Creamy pasta with garlic bread.”

[Y/N] (picking at her food with a frown)

“Yeah? Too bad I lost my appetite the day you decided to ruin our lives.”

[Min Aera] (puts down her fork sharply)

“Y/N, enough! I’ve been patient with your attitude, but this disrespect has to stop.”

[Y/N] (snapping back)

“Disrespect? You tore me away from Dad like it was nothing! And now you want me to smile and eat garlic bread like we’re some perfect little family?”

[Min Aera] (voice rising)

“Because I’m trying! I’m doing my best to give you a better life! You think I wanted to do this alone? You think I didn’t suffer?”

[Y/N] (bitter laugh)

“Suffer? You’re dating a billionaire in a penthouse. Forgive me if I don’t cry for you.”

[Jungkook] (calmly puts his glass down, his voice low and steady)

“Y/N… no one’s asking you to be happy overnight. But maybe try seeing what’s in front of you instead of only what’s been lost.”

[Y/N] (icy glare at him)

“You don’t know me. Don’t act like you care.”

[Jungkook] (meeting her eyes without flinching)

“I don’t know you yet. But I care because I can see you’re in pain. And no matter what you think, I’m not the enemy.”

(A tense silence falls. Aera clenches her jaw, clearly holding back more words.)

[Min Aera] (quietly, through her teeth)

“She’s sixteen and already thinks she knows everything. I should’ve left her with her father if this is how she repays me.”

[Y/N] (standing up, eyes flashing)

“Maybe you should have.”

(She storms away from the table. Aera looks furious, but Jungkook reaches out and touches her hand gently.)

[Jungkook]

“She’s hurting. Lashing out is the only way she knows how to cope. Give her time.”

[Min Aera] (exhausted, slumps back into her chair)

“She makes me feel like the villain.”

[Jungkook] (softly)

“Maybe to understand her, you’ll have to accept that right now… you are.”

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***