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Jungkook entered his dimly lit house, the door shutting behind him with a dull thud. His jaw was clenched, his mind still swarming with images from the morning’s chaos—Aeri’s flushed face, Anna’s terrifying tea-sipping glares, Jennie’s near-heart attack, and the damn pregnancy pills.

He tossed his keys on the table and kicked off his shoes, only to freeze when he spotted a sleek black Porsche parked outside through the window.

“Fucking hell,” he muttered, already knowing.

The moment he opened the front door again, Jimin was there—leaning casually against his Porsche like it was a runway, arms folded, eyes unreadable, cigarette unlit but present, as always.

“Ah,” Jimin said with a smirk.

“So Mr. Steak finally got cooked. Medium rare or well done?”

“Don’t,” Jungkook said flatly.

“I’m not judging,” Jimin shrugged, following him inside.

“I’m just deeply amazed. Cold, composed, mission-driven Jeon Jungkook falls head over heels for a university student—who also happens to be obsessed over by the man you’re supposed to kill. And you go and do it unprotected?”

Jungkook tossed his coat to the couch and poured himself water, not bothering to argue.

“I mean, I knew you’d eventually get laid,” Jimin continued. “But I didn’t expect you to do it in the middle of a live minefield.”

Still no response.

“I’m not mad you slept with her,” Jimin said, tone hardening.

“I’m mad you didn’t think. That girl is already being watched. Her mom’s tangled up with San. San wants her. And you just drew a big fat red line connecting yourself to her.”

Jungkook leaned against the counter, face unreadable.

“And don’t forget,” Jimin added sharply, stepping closer, “San still thinks the Jeons are dead. He thinks you’re gone. That your family ended in flames. If he finds out you’re alive—and that you’re with her—you’ll be hunted. Not just her. You.”

Jungkook’s expression shifted at that, something cold and ancient rising in his eyes.

“I told you, Kook,” Jimin said, quieter now.

“You were never meant to love. You were raised to finish what your father started. But now? You’re risking everything—her life, yours, everything—for what? One night? Or is it more than that?”

Silence.

“Because if it’s more,” Jimin said, “then you better stop playing the cold bastard and start preparing to protect her. Because when San finds out—he will come. And he won’t stop.”

He paused by the door, then added one final warning.

“Don’t break her heart. Don’t leave her unguarded. You’re either all in—or get the hell out before she gets burned.”

Then he was gone.

The door clicked shut, leaving Jungkook in the silence of his home.

For the first time in years, the mission felt secondary. And the weight of what he’d done with Aeri… felt terrifyingly real.

Jungkook was still standing in the same spot, staring blankly at the floor, when the door swung back open.

“Don’t even think I’m done,” Jimin barked, striding back in like he owned the place.

Jungkook barely looked up. “I didn’t say anything.”

“Yeah, well your face did.” Jimin slammed the door shut. “Don’t overthink this, you bastard. You’re going to protect her. Got it?”

Jungkook lifted a brow, still annoyingly calm. “Wasn’t planning to do the opposite.”

Jimin pointed a finger at him, stepping closer. “You’re a damn genius when it comes to strategy, war, all that Jeon heir mafia crap. But when it comes to feelings? You’ve got the emotional range of a spoon.”

Jungkook scoffed, turning away.

“I know you don’t do love. I know you don’t do relationships. You made it clear since we were sixteen.” Jimin’s voice rose, frustration and concern mixing dangerously. “But guess what? This time, you’re doing it.”

Jungkook turned, eyes narrowing. “And what if I mess it up, Jimin?”

“Then don’t.” Jimin stepped up to him, voice low but firm.

“You love her, Jungkook. Maybe you don’t realize it yet, or maybe you’re too damn afraid to say it, but I see it. And so will San.”

Silence. Heavy. Real.

Jimin stepped back, hand on the doorknob again.

“She’s not just any girl. And you’re not just any guy. You're Jeon Jungkook. So stop acting like a scared boy and start acting like the man who’s going to protect the woman he just risked everything for.”

Then, with a deep sigh and one last shake of his head, he muttered, “Idiot,” and walked out again.

The door clicked shut a second time.

This time, Jungkook didn’t move for a while—but his grip on the glass tightened.

Because Jimin was right.

And San had no idea what storm was coming his way.

Y'all I'm so sorry for the late updates ༎ຶ⁠‿⁠༎ຶ ༎ຶ⁠‿⁠༎ຶ