[ please vote ⭐ and comment 💭 if you want quick update ]

°-------°

°---------°

Ten Years Ago

Location: Seoul, South Korea

A U T H O R ' S P O V

The sky remained its usual shade of blue, the sun continued to rise and set, and people went about their daily lives as if nothing had changed.

The day her parents died, the world did not stop.But for Kim Dayeun, everything had.

She was only ten years old when the news shattered her world.

The memory was blurred around the edges, yet some details remained painfully vivid. The scent of antiseptic in the hospital hallways. The hushed murmurs of doctors exchanging grim glances. The chilling silence that followed her cousin Namjoon's arrival.

She had clung to hope, small and desperate, as she waited in the dimly lit waiting room. Her twin siblings, Minseo and Jisoo, barely three years old, had been asleep in the chairs beside her, unaware of the tragedy unfolding around them.

And then, she had heard Namjoon's voice-calm yet broken, steady yet strained.

"Dayeun... Yo..Your....Mom and Dad didn't make it."

It had taken a moment for the words to sink in.

Didn't make it.

She had heard those words in movies, in books-but never in real life. Never about her parents.

For a brief second, she thought she had misheard. She waited for Namjoon to correct himself, to tell her that they were in surgery, that they would recover, that everything would be fine.

But his eyes-**red-rimmed and glassy, filled with sorrow too heavy for his young shoulders-**told her the truth.

She didn't remember much after that.

Only the sound of her own heartbeat pounding in her ears. The feeling of Namjoon's arms wrapping around her as her world crumbled. The way the sterile hospital lights had blurred as tears streamed down her face.

And the suffocating weight of grief that settled deep within her chest, refusing to leave.

---

The funeral was a haze of black clothing, murmured condolences, and an overwhelming sense of emptiness.

The air was thick with incense, the scent clinging to her skin as she stood before two framed photographs adorned with white lilies. Her mother's gentle smile. Her father's warm eyes. Frozen in time.

The twins had been too young to understand.

Jisoo had tugged at Namjoon's sleeve, her tiny voice laced with confusion. "Where's Ma-ma? Why isn't sh...e coming ho...me?"

Minseo, ever the curious one, had looked around at the sea of mourning faces and asked, "Why is e..very-one crying?"

Dayeun had wanted to answer them. She had wanted to explain, to comfort them, to be strong for them.

But how could she, when she was barely holding herself together?

So she did the only thing she could.

She held their little hands tightly in hers and prayed that they wouldn't feel the same unbearable emptiness that clawed at her insides.

---

After the funeral, whispers had followed them everywhere.

"Poor children, left all alone."

"What will happen to them now?"

"Namjoon is too young to raise them on his own."

The pity in their voices had been suffocating. But Namjoon never wavered.

He had been twenty at the time, barely an adult himself, yet he had stepped up without hesitation.

His parents-Dayeun's uncle and aunt-had taken them in, but it was Namjoon who became their true guardian. He handled their parents' estate, took over their father's business, and made sure the twins had everything they needed.

And when Dayeun had woken up screaming from nightmares, her throat raw with silent sobs, it was Namjoon who had sat beside her, holding her hand until she could breathe again.

"You're not alone," he whispered each time. "I'll always be here."

And he was.

Through every storm, every sleepless night, every silent breakdown-he never let go.

---

Years passed, and grief became quieter.

The pain never truly faded, but it settled, buried beneath the routine of everyday life.

Dayeun learned to smile again, to laugh with the twins, to find joy in the little moments. She carried her parents in her heart, but she no longer felt like she was drowning.

With Namjoon's guidance, she grew into a woman who was strong, who loved fiercely, who held her family together just as he had.

But fate had a cruel sense of humor.

Because just when she thought she had escaped the past, just when she believed she had built a world safe from pain-

A storm was already on the horizon.

And this time, it would take more than love to survive.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

[ P r e s e n t ]

The first light of dawn spilled through the sheer white curtains, casting a golden glow across the elegantly furnished bedroom. The air was crisp, carrying the gentle scent of cherry blossoms drifting in from the garden below.

Kim Dayeun stirred beneath the soft silk sheets, her body instinctively curling into the warmth of her plush bed. For a moment, she remained still, allowing the peaceful quiet to envelop her.

Mornings like these-calm, slow, untouched by the worries of the world-were a rare treasure.

A sigh escaped her lips as she finally willed herself to move, stretching her limbs before lazily reaching for the phone resting on her bedside table. 7:00 AM. Right on time.

She sat up, her long, dark hair tumbling over her shoulders in soft waves. The faint outline of sleep still clung to her features, but her mind was already alert. Sliding out of bed, she padded barefoot across the polished wooden floor, her steps light and unhurried.

The floor-to-ceiling window stood before her, offering a breathtaking view of the estate's garden. Beyond the trimmed hedges and marble fountains, the city skyline loomed in the distance, a reminder of the fast-paced world awaiting her beyond these gates.

But for now, she allowed herself a moment to appreciate the beauty of the morning.

A deep breath. A lingering glance at the sunrise. And then, routine took over.

Dayeun stepped into the bathroom, where the scent of fresh roses filled the air-her favorite fragrance. The space was a blend of modern luxury and soft elegance, with marble counters, gold fixtures, and a large sunken bathtub resting against a glass wall.

Opting for a shower, she turned on the water, letting the warm droplets cascade over her skin. The gentle rhythm of water against porcelain was soothing, washing away the last remnants of sleep.

Her hands moved through her hair, lathering in her signature vanilla-scented shampoo. As the steam curled around her, she took a moment to close her eyes, letting the warmth seep into her muscles.

This was her safe haven. A space where time slowed, where the weight of expectations did not exist.

Once satisfied, she stepped out, wrapping herself in a plush white robe. With practiced ease, she moved to her vanity, dabbing rosewater on her skin before selecting a light, dewy makeup look-natural yet effortlessly radiant.

---

With her morning routine complete, Dayeun moved to her walk-in closet. The room itself was a dream-rows of neatly arranged designer pieces, soft lighting illuminating racks of pastel-colored dresses, silk blouses, and tailored coats.

Her fingers brushed over the fabrics before settling on something that matched the tranquility of the morning.

A flowing white midi dress, cinched at the waist with delicate embroidery of cherry blossoms. It was elegant yet comfortable, perfect for the warm spring air. She paired it with a dainty pearl necklace, cream-colored flats, and a matching handbag.

With one final glance in the mirror, she smiled softly. Refined, graceful-just as expected of Kim Dayeun.

.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

[ T i m e S k i p ]

The Kim Residence stood tall and proud, a testament to years of wealth and prestige. But inside its grand halls, beyond the shimmering chandeliers and pristine marble floors, lay something far more valuable-a home built on love, laughter, and unbreakable bonds.

A Morning of Togetherness

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries filled the dining hall as the golden morning sun streamed through the expansive windows, casting soft shadows across the elegant table. The air was light with the sound of gentle conversation, soft chuckles, and the occasional teasing remark.

At the head of the table sat Kim Namjoon, the man who had taken on the weight of responsibility far too early in life. Though his tailored suit and sharp presence radiated authority, his eyes softened as he observed the two youngest members of the family-Minseo and Jisoo, the mischievous twelve-year-old twins who never failed to brighten the household with their antics.

Despite his busy schedule, he never missed breakfast with his family.

Descending the grand staircase, Dayeun was greeted by the warm aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries. Sitting across from them, Kim Dayeun delicately cut into her breakfast, her lips curling into a smile as she watched the familiar sibling rivalry unfold before her.

"I swear, you always get more than me!" Minseo huffed, his spoon raised defensively over his bowl of fruit.

Jisoo scoffed, arms crossed. "That's because I eat slower than you! You shovel food like it's a race."

"It is a race when you're around," Minseo shot back.

Dayeun chuckled, shaking her head. "How about this-whoever finishes their meal first gets an extra dessert later?"

Immediately, Minseo's expression brightened. "That's unfair. Jisoo eats like a turtle!"

Jisoo smirked. "And yet, I always win."

Namjoon, who had been silently flipping through the morning newspaper, finally let out a tired sigh. Without a word, he reached over, plucked the last remaining strawberry from Minseo's plate, and popped it into his mouth.

"Problem solved," he said simply.

A gasp of betrayal filled the air as Minseo clutched his chest. "Hyung, how could you?"

Jisoo burst into laughter. "Serves you right."

Dayeun covered her mouth, amused at their usual morning banter. Despite the years that had passed, despite the tragedy that had once shaken their world, their bond remained strong.

Kim Namjoon was more than a cousin. He was their pillar, their guide, the man who had stepped into the shoes of a guardian without hesitation.

Twelve years ago, when their parents had died in a tragic car accident, it was Namjoon's family who had taken them in. He had been just twenty years old at the time, barely stepping into adulthood, yet he had never once faltered in his duty toward them.

He had given up reckless youth for responsibility, trading late-night parties for late-night business meetings, ensuring that not only his own company thrived but also their parents' legacy remained intact.

And now, at thirty-two, he was a force to be reckoned with in the business world-feared by competitors, respected by allies. Yet here, at the breakfast table, he was simply Namjoon-hyung-a man who stole their food and rolled his eyes at their bickering but who would move heaven and earth to keep them safe.

Dayeun's gaze lingered on him for a moment before she spoke. "You should eat more, oppa. You're always skipping meals."

Namjoon looked up from his coffee and smirked. "And you should focus on your own breakfast instead of plotting new ways to outsmart the twins."

She rolled her eyes but didn't argue.

A Childhood of Shared Tears and Laughter

Their bond had been forged in fire.

After their parents' funeral, Dayeun had cried herself to sleep for months, unable to understand why the people who loved her most were gone. It had been Namjoon who had sat beside her, whispering stories of their childhood, promising that no matter what, she was not alone.

When Minseo and Jisoo had nightmares, running into her bed in the middle of the night, she had wrapped them in her arms just as their mother once did, holding them until the fear faded.

They had grown up in a world filled with sorrow, yet never alone.

Namjoon had worked tirelessly to make sure they had the best education, the best opportunities, the best life-one that was untouched by the tragedy of their past.

And despite all his efforts to shield them from pain, he had not been able to shield them from the reality of the world.

They were Kims-heirs to vast fortunes, children of powerful bloodlines. And with wealth came expectations, greed, and danger lurking in the shadows.

But as long as Namjoon was there, none of them had to bear the weight of those burdens alone.

The Strength of Family

The breakfast table was more than just a place to eat. It was where they connected, where love was shared in the form of playful insults, stolen food, and knowing glances.

It was where Dayeun found herself truly at peace-within these walls, with the people who mattered most.

And even though she didn't know what the future held, she knew one thing for certain:

No matter what storms came their way, they would always have each other.

After finishing breakfast, Dayeun bid farewell to her family and stepped outside, where her car awaited.

As she settled into the plush leather seat, she glanced out at the estate one last time, savoring the tranquility.

Everything about her life-the warmth, the love, the security-felt untouched by darkness.

But what she didn't know was that shadows were already creeping in.

That beyond her world of sunshine, a storm was brewing.

And soon, her peaceful mornings would be nothing more than a distant memory.

-----

Location: Seoul National University

The moment Kim Dayeun stepped out of her sleek black car, a suffocating silence fell over the campus courtyard. The once-bustling students who had been laughing and chatting only moments ago instantly lowered their gazes, their previous excitement dimming into hushed whispers.

The air around her was thick with unspoken warnings-a silent decree that none dared to disobey.

No one looked at her.

No one spoke to her.

No one even dared to stand too close.

It was as if an invisible boundary surrounded her, a perimeter no one was foolish enough to cross.

Because they all knew who she belonged to.

The Shadow That Ruled the Campus

It wasn't just Dayeun's presence that commanded fear-it was the man who lurked in the shadows, the one who had marked her as his.

Jeon Jungkook.

His name alone was enough to send shivers down the spines of students, striking terror into the hearts of anyone who had ever even thought of approaching Dayeun. He was ruthless, possessive, untouchable.

A single glance from him could make people scatter like rats. A single word from his lips could destroy reputations, careers, and even lives.

And the worst part?

He didn't even have to be present for his influence to suffocate the entire campus.

There were stories-horrifying, whispered stories-of what happened to those who had dared to cross Jungkook's unspoken rules.

One student, a senior in the business department, had once tried to flirt with Dayeun at a party. The next day, he arrived on campus with a broken nose, a fractured wrist, and a whispered warning that made him transfer before the week was over.

Another, a sophomore girl, had spread a rumor that Jungkook was only playing with Dayeun. By morning, her family business had mysteriously gone bankrupt, her scholarship revoked, and she had vanished without a trace.

Even professors were careful. No one dared to grade Dayeun unfairly, and no one, no matter how high-ranking, ever tried to discipline Jungkook for his absences or his behavior.

He was above the rules. He was the law.

The Silent Terror

As Dayeun walked through the hallway, the students parted like the Red Sea. The girls, envious yet terrified, dared not utter a word. The boys, who once might have admired her beauty, kept their heads down, knowing better than to even look in her direction.

It was an eerie kind of power-one she never asked for, yet could never escape.

She could hear the whispers, hushed but sharp:

"She's the queen of the campus, but only because he lets her be."

"She's lucky... or maybe she's just his favorite toy?"

"I'd rather die than get on Jungkook's bad side."

And yet, beneath all that fear, there was also an undeniable truth:

No one dared to touch her, to harm her, to disrespect her-because she was his.

----

As she reached her classroom door, A sudden force yanked her back.

A gasp escaped her lips as a strong hand covered her mouth, muffling her surprise.

Before she could react, she was dragged away from the crowded hallway - into an empty washroom.....

Her heart pounded in her chest .

The grip was firm. Familiar.

As she looked up , her breath hitched.

Her back hit the cold tile wall of an empty restroom, her wide eyes staring up at the man who had dragged her there so effortlessly.

Jeon Jungkook.

The predator who ruled this school.

The Lover who had laid claim to her heart.

And as he gazed down at her, his dark, obsessive eyes burning into hers, a dangerous smirk curled onto his lips.

"Did you miss me, baby?", He asked.

For a brief moment, silence stretched between them ..

And Then, without warning -His lips crashed onto hers.

The kiss was demanding possessive - a silent claim that she belonged to him.

Dayeun melted into it, her fingers tangling in his dark locks as he deepened the kiss, pulling her closer. His body was warm, solid, familiar....

Without breaking contact, Jungkook lifted her, placing her on the washbasin, his grip firm on her waist .

Her legs instinctively wrapped around him as they continued to devour each other, lost in the heat of the moment.

When they finally pulled away, breathless, Jungkook's lips were slightly swollen from the intensity of their kiss...

He rested his forehead against hers, his voice husky and laced with something dangerous.

" You know I don't like sharing, " he murmured, his fingers brushing against her cheek .

Dayeun smiled softly, brushing a thumb over his lips. " You are the only one I see, Kookie~~ "

His eyes darkened, satisfied with her words. " Good. Because I'll never let you go."

And in that moment, Dayeun was completely, blissfully happy.

Happiness is fleeting. And Dayeun has no idea of what's coming next.

°
°
°
°
°
°
°
°
°
°
°
°
°
°
°
°
°
°
°
°
°
°
°
°
°
°
°
°
°
°
°
°
°
°
°
°
°

🤍 TO BE CONTINUED......🤍

The world around them remained oblivious to the dangerous storm brewing in the shadows, one that neither Dayeun nor Jungkook saw coming. Their love was a delicate flame, burning brightly yet unaware of the darkness that sought to consume it.

As Jungkook held her close, his grip firm yet filled with an unspoken promise, neither of them realized how quickly their happiness would crumble.

Unaware of the monster lurking in the shadows.

Unaware of the chains already tightening around Dayeun's fate.

What's Next?

Dayeun thinks her world is perfect, wrapped in the warmth of her love for Jungkook and the security of her family. But how long before that illusion is shattered?

What will happen when the tyrant himself sets his eyes on her?

How far will Jungkook go to protect what's his?

And how long before Dayeun realizes that she has stepped into a game she never agreed to play?

Vote Goals & Reader Interaction!

If you enjoyed this chapter and want the next one ASAP, don't forget to:

✔️ Vote if you love the story so far!

💬 Comment your thoughts, theories, and favorite moments!

🔄 Share with fellow readers who enjoy dark, gripping romances!

🔥 Vote Goal: 20+ Votes for a Sneak Peek of Chapter 3! 🔥

Let's talk! What do you think will happen next? Do you think Jungkook will sense the danger before it's too late? Will Dayeun escape her fate, or is she already too deep? Drop your predictions in the comments!

See you in the next chapter... if you dare. 👀💀