Chapter 3

Jungkook’s Penthouse – Later That Night

(Y/N is sitting alone on the balcony, headphones in, staring out at the city skyline. Jungkook approaches quietly, knocking gently on the glass door before stepping out.)

[Jungkook]

“Mind if I join you?”

(Y/N doesn’t respond but doesn’t stop him either. He takes a seat beside her, leaving space between them.)

[Jungkook] (softly)

“I know this can’t be easy for you. And I know you probably think I’m just pretending to care.”

[Y/N] (not looking at him)

“You are pretending.”

[Jungkook]

“Then let me prove I’m not. I don’t want to take your father’s place, Y/N. But I’d like to understand you… if you’d let me.”

(Y/N says nothing, but her expression flickers. Jungkook watches her, quietly.)

[Jungkook] (after a pause)

“There’s going to be a welcoming party for you. I want you there. Not as some stepdaughter for show—but as yourself. It’s your life too.”

[Y/N] (smirks, finally meeting his eyes)

“You sure about that? I’m not exactly the polite, smile-for-pictures kind of girl.”

[Jungkook] (half-smiling)

“Neither am I. So… we’ll get along just fine.”

(Y/N nods slowly. Her smirk deepens as an idea forms in her head.)

The Next Night – Welcoming Party

(The penthouse glows with luxury, filled with Seoul's elite. The moment Y/N walks in—dressed in a fierce, unforgettable outfit—conversations falter. Her presence slices through the room like a blade. All eyes turn. Aera spots her instantly, her posture going rigid.)

[Whispering Guest]

"Wait... isn't that Jungkook's stepdaughter?"

(Before anyone can intercept, Y/N strides up to the DJ booth. She snatches the mic, taps it twice. A hush falls over the party. Her smile is sugar-laced venom.)

[Y/N]

"Good evening, everyone. Just wanted to personally welcome you... to the living hell I wake up to every day. Buckle up. It's gonna be a wild show."

(A collective gasp. The crowd stirs—shocked murmurs spreading like wildfire. Aera's face drains of color. Jungkook doesn't move, but something shifts in his jaw.)

[Min Aera] (storming over, eyes blazing)

"Y/N! Have you lost your damn mind?!"

[Y/N] (tilting her head, voice dripping sarcasm)

"Oh no, I found it. Right next to the lies and the masks we're all wearing."

[Min Aera] (voice cracking with rage)

"You ungrateful little—You've humiliated this family! Disgraced Jungkook in front of everyone!"

(With a sharp snap, she slaps Y/N—loud and brutal. The sound echoes. Everything freezes. Y/N's head jerks to the side. Her hand rises slowly to her cheek. She doesn't cry—not yet. But her eyes shimmer, glassy.)

[Jungkook] (stepping forward, voice like steel)

"That's enough."

(He places himself between them, shielding Y/N with a calmness that commands the room. He reaches for her hand. She recoils slightly... but lets him take it.)

[Jungkook] (to the guests, measured)

"The evening is over. Thank you for your time."

(Gasps become silence. He walks Y/N away, up the stairs. Behind them, Aera stands frozen—silenced by something far more powerful than shame.)

Upstairs – Guest Room

(Jungkook leads her in gently, then shuts the door with soft finality. Y/N sits on the edge of the bed, back straight, fists clenched in her lap. She's trying not to fall apart—but it's happening anyway.)

[Y/N] (voice breaking)

"She hit me... like I meant nothing. I didn't want to be here. I thought if I pushed you far enough... maybe you'd send me back. Back to my dad. Back to not feeling like... this."

(Jungkook kneels in front of her, slow and steady. His voice is quiet but unwavering.)

[Jungkook]

"You don't have to earn love by being perfect. Or by being someone else. You're not invisible, Y/N. You're not disposable. I see you."

(She looks down at him, stunned by the gentleness in his voice. Her lip trembles.)

[Jungkook] (softer now)

"And if your mother can't see the damage she's doing... then I'll be the one who does. I'll stand in the gap. Until she learns, or you heal."

(A breath catches in her throat. Her tears finally fall—heavy, unguarded. Jungkook reaches for a tissue, offering it with quiet grace. She takes it, their eyes meeting for a moment. Something deep flickers there. He looks away quickly, grounding himself.)

[Jungkook] (to himself, almost)

"She's just a kid... just a kid, a broken one."

(But broken things still bleed, and broken things still matter.)

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