Closer Than This...(vsoo)

Jisoo felt the weight of the world pressing down on her as Jungkook drove them to his apartment, a peaceful haven far from the cold confines of Kim Mansion. She was exhausted, emotionally and physically drained from everything that had transpired. The day had felt like a slap to her face, a harsh reminder of everything she was losing.

It wasn't just the pressure, it was as if she were carrying the burden of an entire empire on her shoulders. A sense of heaviness washed over her, the feeling of being trapped under a rock that was cold, dark, and suffocating.

She dozed off on the couch, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts. Her peaceful moments with Jungkook the two days before-watching the sunrise-felt like a distant memory. In an instant, her life had taken a drastic turn with the announcement of the partnership and the staggering loss of shares. Nothing felt stable anymore. Bliss was slipping away, and the more she tried to cling to it, the further it seemed to drift.

Jungkook's voice cut through her spiraling thoughts. He gently shook her shoulder, urging her to wake up and eat. She didn't want to face reality; it felt easier to close her eyes and pretend it wasn't happening. Yet, as she slowly opened her eyes, the sunlight pouring through the window was a sharp reminder of the world outside her mind. She forced herself to sit up against the headboard, her body aching from exhaustion.

Jungkook, ever the caring friend, urged her to wash up and eat something. His playful scolding was a brief, comforting distraction from her overwhelming thoughts.

"You haven't eaten anything since yesterday," he said with a mock frown, mimicking the way she would scold him. She smiled faintly, grateful for his unwavering presence in her life. Even when everyone else seemed to be leaving her, Jungkook was still by her side, like he always had been.

"Jungkook... you won't leave me, right?" she asked, her voice shaky despite knowing the answer.

He looked at her with a warm, reassuring smile. "I won't ever leave you, Jisoo. No matter what happens, you'll always find me with you."

Her heart swelled with gratitude for the friend who had been with her through every high and low. Jungkook had been her rock since they were children, his kindness and loyalty unwavering, even when she had treated him like a minion in the past. They had grown closer over the years, their bond stronger than ever. He had been there when she was bullied, when she had gone abroad for college, and now, when everything was crumbling around her.

"I need to tell you something," Jisoo said, her voice quiet but firm. She took a deep breath before continuing. " Taehyung is ready to give me his thirty percent he brought."

Jungkook paused, his expression shifting to one of surprise and disbelief yet he smiled broadly, as if he were a proud parent hearing of their child's move.

"But... I have to form partnership with him in exchange for it," she added, her words hanging heavy in the air.

Jungkook's smile faded as he processed her words. He was upset, but his feelings were complicated-perhaps a mix of anger, frustration, and concern.

"I don't know what to do," Jisoo admitted, her voice trembling as she confided in her best friend. "I don't know how to face this situation."

Jungkook turned away, ruffling his hair in exasperation. After a long pause, he spoke, his voice calm yet laced with a touch of sadness. "What's more important to you, Jisoo? Your family business, or living the way you want? Marrying someone you know, someone you love, and enjoying the life you wish for?"

The question hit her like a ton of bricks. She couldn't answer immediately, torn between her responsibilities and her desires. Bliss was everything to her-her father's dream, her own dream. She couldn't imagine giving it up, but at what cost?

"I want Bliss to be known worldwide. I want to make it a luxurious brand. It was my father's dream, and it's mine too." She spoke quickly, her words tumbling out in a rush, the weight of everything she had been carrying finally coming to the surface.

Jungkook didn't respond immediately, his gaze softening as he watched her. He could see how much Bliss meant to her, but he also saw the pain and confusion in her eyes. He turned his back to her, walking toward the door.

Before he left, he turned to her one last time, his expression a mixture of resolve and tenderness. "I'm going to buy some groceries. Take care of yourself, okay?"

Once Jungkook left, Jisoo curled up on the bed, lost in her thoughts. Her head ached from the endless internal debate, torn between the future of Bliss and her own happiness. She knew she needed guidance, but nothing felt clear.

Later that afternoon, Jungkook drove her back to Kim Mansion, where the family meeting awaited her. Her aunt, Lawyer Shin, and another unfamiliar lawyer were already seated in the living room, a tense silence hanging between them. The weight of the moment was palpable.

"Jisoo, are you okay?" her aunt asked softly, her voice full of concern.

Jisoo nodded silently, walking toward the group, where the two lawyers stood and greeted her. Her aunt, ever the calculating strategist, spoke first.

"Whatever has been written in those papers, Jisoo is ready to accept," she said, her voice laced with a sense of finality.

Jisoo looked at the papers, feeling an intense pressure to sign, even though every fiber of her being resisted it.

"Sign here," Lawyer Shin said, passing her the pen. Jisoo stared at it for a long moment, the weight of the decision sinking in. She didn't want this. She didn't want to marry someone for Bliss-especially not someone as much older than her as Taehyung. She had never planned on marriage, let alone an arrangement like this.

Her aunt's voice grew more insistent. "Jisoo, sign the papers."

Her hand felt heavy, numb as she lifted it to sign, her mind spinning with guilt, confusion, and anger. She signed the papers quickly, not looking at anyone, and handed the pen back to Lawyer Shin.

It was then that the prosecutor spoke up, revealing the identity of the man behind the alliance. "I heard that Mr. Kim Taehyung is the one providing his share. Isn't he the CEO of Hyung's?"

The mention of Taehyung's name sent a shockwave through Jisoo. She looked at her aunt, expecting her to explain, but it was her aunt who spoke up, confirming the truth.

"Yes... it's true." Her aunt's voice was cold, and Jisoo's confusion deepened. Why hadn't her aunt told her about this earlier?

The realization hit her hard: Taehyung wasn't just a businessman-he was the man who was now tied to her future in a way she hadn't expected.

After the lawyers left, her aunt pulled her aside, her grip tight on Jisoo's arm.

"I know I have made a mistake and you have to pay for what I have done. Even if I apologize to you now it will only burdens you.
Still I am sorry Jisoo, I am sorry for everything which is happening. I didn't have any choice than to ask Hyung's for help." It's working again, jisoo getting soft even when her aunt has cause all troubles in her life.

But how could she simply blame her when since her childhood, her aunt has supported her, took care of her, has loved her.