Ding.

A message popped up.

'I'm sorry Joon. I won't be able to make it there. Something really urgent came up. Please forgive your Noona' said the message. A long thick tear escaped his eyes.

Namjoon tried to call her but her phone was turned off. He knew something was off. He asked his own parents too but to his disappointment they didn't tell him anything. His mother also chose to keep quiet for the time being.
Namjoon was totally surprised by the surprise arrangements for his birthday.

But he also knew who could be the planner as he knew his 'Little' way too much.

He believed she would show up for sure so he proposed for a masquerade dance so that he could earn some extra time. The guests gladly obliged.
As expected, she showed up in a beautiful white outfit with a light elegant touch up. Half of her face covered with the mask.

Even though he couldn't see her face completely, he knew it is her.
He didn't need to see her face to recognise her.
"Happy Birthday Joon" she softly whispered in his ears lightly hugging him. Making his heart and hormones go crazy. Making him love every moment he spends with his 'Little Lady'.

"Thank you so much, Noona. I loved the arrangement. I knew you'd come" he said with tears in his eyes.

She removed both of their masks and wiped his tear stained cheeks, "Hey! I'm sorry Joon, please don't cry. I'll do anything you say I promise." They didn't notice their surrounding and the few of the eyes glaring at them.

"Can I have a dance with you, your highness. Maybe I'll be able to earn your forgiveness." she extended her hand asking him with a complete innocent smile. Making him fall for her even more.

They moved to the dance floor holding hands. Everyone halted all their movement just to witness the graceful performance of the duo who were dancing elegantly in the middle of the hall.

Except for a few people who were in utter shock seeing the lady with Namjoon. For some reasons, they were completely concerned.

Y/N suddenly hissed in pain and grabbed his his shoulders tight causing him to groan. Namjoon looked at her with concerned eyes.
Y/N looked at Mrs Kim's direction.

Mrs Kim understood the situation and called Namjoon gaining everyone's attention and asked her son to cut the cake.

Namjoon took a glance and Y/N and followed his parents.

After finishing with the cake cutting etc. Namjoon was was attending the guests along with with parents. Y/N's father took the chance and held her wrist pulling her to the side and asked, "Care to explain Miss?".

"I won't marry anyone no matter what you say father" she said with a complete blank face.

"I dare you, young lady" her father warned.

"Try me" was the only thing she said before she walked away from her father.

Soon the the party came to an end. Her father didn't make any announcement which offended some people but he couldn't risk his reputation cause he's well aware of his daughter's stubborn nature. Namjoon pulled Y/N away taking her to the living room. He was very excited to introduce her to his cousins.

" Guys, she is Y/N. My 'Little' Noona" Namjoon introduced her to his brothers.

The shortest male among them was the first to speak with a sweet smile, " I'm Jimin.
Park Jimin.

"Your eyes looks like Cresent moon" she said with a smile.

"I'm Kim Taehyung. Call me Taetae" the taller male beside him chirped with excitement.

"Sure Taetae.Your voice is beautiful" she said. Taehyung gave her his biggest smile.

The other one was already smiling at her showing his bunny tooth,
"I'm Jungkook Noona, Jeon Jungkook and he's my hyung Jung Hoseok. We're half brothers." Hoseok smiled cutely.

"You dance really well, beautiful. The name is Min Yoongi. But I prefer Suga".

Yoongi stood up and took her hand, twirling her twice and then suddenly let go of her hand causing her to squeak in surprise. But someone held her by her waist causing her to look at person. Her face turned red in anger.

"Thank you Jin Hyung. Y/N you okay?" Namjoon said with a worried tone. But to his surprise, she was staring at Jin!? No, she's glaring at him with full of anger. Namjoon wondered if he's missing something.

Kim Seokjin.

The last person she wished to meet.
"Oh, and also me and Jin Hyung are step-brothers" Taehyung spoke with complete happiness in his voice.

Y/N pushed him away from herself and left from there.

Namjoon's face was completely covered in confusion.
On the dining table his 'Little' was too much quiet and that's definitely not usual.

Madam Lara Sampson, Y/N's grandmother broke the silence with a smile and asked Y/N,

"So my child, do you like your fiance now!"

Namjoon's eyes widened as if they'll pop out of the socket. He looked at his mother who didn't gave him any reaction. His face fell.

"You already know my answer. I won't marry anytime soon. And definitely not a self-obsessed moron. I prefer death over him." She snapped bitterly glaring at Jin.

Namjoon understood the situation but chose to sit back.

Madam Sampson and Jin's parents were completely taken aback by her answer.
But said nothing cause they were also the ones at fault.

"How can you deny your grandmother, young lady? Look at your siblings. How much obedient they are?" Her father asked angrily.

"Then why don't you let Laura marry Mr Seokjin. And moreover, I'm the only and legal child of my parent. I clearly remember I've got no siblings. The ones you called my siblings are only your mistress's children. Isn't it why they don't carry the same surname as me. Correct me if I'm wrong grandmother".

Laura and David Carson, her step siblings were fuming in anger but they kept quiet for the time being.

Her grandmother was completely impressed by her straight-forward attitude.

"No my child, everything you said is absolutely correct. Also, I didn't have any intention of forcing you for this alliance. It was just a thought of uniting the both families. This idea was your and Seokjin's grandfathers. But I didn't think my own son would turn this alliance into some sort of business purpose. Take your time".

Her attitude somehow fluttered Jin's heart. He promised himself to win this woman's heart. But the next words from her shocked him and completely caught him off-guard.

"Because it's grandfather's wish, I'll offer Mr Seokjin a deal."

Her words scared Namjoon and he felt a pinch of pain in his heart. But her next words gave him a hope of happiness.

" Mr Seokjin will have to beat me in the upcoming 1200 mtrs race that is going to be held in our University on the sports meet. If he's able to beat me then I will happily marry him. If not, no one should bug me for any kind of alliance. So, does Mr Seokjin agree with my condition?"

Everyone halted their movements and looked at Jin with questionable eyes. Jin was surprised by the proposal but smiled at her.

"And why should I agree with your proposal, Miss."

"Are you that desperate to marry me. Or are you scared of me! " She taunted him."My father said you're joining the same University as me and Joon. So why not prove yourself. I've heard you're quite a good athlete. Don't tell me you're really afraid of losing your pride to a woman. Come on, be the man."

That's it. Jin lost his cool. He may have been interested in her, but couldn't let a woman step on his pride.

"Mark my words lady. You're going to be my bride." He left the table going out of the hallway followed by Hoseok and Taehyung.

"Aunt Kim, I'm staying the night" she ruffled Joon's hair and left the dining hall.

Soon after, the elders also left to their respective homes after bidding their greetings.

"Mom, we need to talk."

.............................................................

To Be Continued.........