"Y/N!!!" Lisa's voice echoed as she came barreling toward me, eyes alight with excitement. She flung her arms around me, squeezing tight.

"Can you believe it?! I got a boyfriend!!!"

I laughed, hugging her back. "Lisa, that's amazing! I can't believe it either!"

"Neither can I! I'm so happy, I feel like I could burst!" She pulled back, her face glowing, and then her eyes widened. "Oh! I need to tell my mom! I have to go beg Jungkook to let me use my phone!"

She dashed off, practically bouncing with every step, leaving me standing there with a smile that slowly faded. I really hoped she'd made the right choice. There was something in my chest, a mixture of happiness for her and a thread of worry tugging underneath. Please, let it all work out for her.

"Tch. What a disaster, right?" Iseul muttered, sidling up to me with a smirk.

I raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"Please," she said, passing me a glass of wine. "Getting engaged on this show is better than winning a golden buzzer on America's Got Talent. It's the end of us."

I nearly choked. "What? You think Lisa's going to automatically win just because she got engaged?!"

"Or Ethan," she replied, taking a slow, deliberate sip. "Depends on who the crowd falls for more."

"Come on, that's ridiculous. I'm not letting that happen."

"Oh, really?" Her eyes gleamed with amusement. "And how do you plan on stopping it?"

I narrowed my eyes. "Why are you even telling me this? What are you hiding?"

"Absolutely nothing." She flashed an innocent smile. "As you know, I was on this show last year. If I lose this season, I want it to be to a worthy opponent... not to someone who coughed up their parents' money for a diamond ring."

I scoffed. "So, you're saying Lisa and Ethan aren't worthy opponents?"

"Of course not. Have you seen them?"

"They're two people in love. Why—"

"In love?" She laughed, the sound sharp and mocking. "Do you really think this is the first time people got engaged on Hallyuwood Matchmaker?"

"Uh, I think it happened a few years ago too?"

"And in the first season," she reminded me, raising an eyebrow. "Do you know what happened to those relationships as soon as the winners were announced? They dissolved faster than premium instant coffee."

I hesitated. "But I think Lisa's feelings for Ethan are real. She's not faking it."

"Maybe... but what about Ethan?" She rolled her eyes. "Lisa's disgustingly naive. She doesn't deserve to win this show... and I've met plenty of guys, both on and off this show. As soon as they had their hands on the prize money, they were gone. And their poor ex-fiancées? Left with nothing but a few gossip magazine headlines."

I opened my mouth to argue, but she hushed me as the announcement blared through the speakers.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I have an announcement for you," Jungkook's voice boomed over the speakers. "Inspired by events from just an hour ago... I decided it wasn't fair to force you to stay with your randomized Matches. So here's some good news: Tonight, you'll get to choose a NEW Match to love and cherish until the end of the show... and maybe even beyond! More details on this later. See you all in an hour!"

"What the... THAT has never happened before," Iseul muttered, her eyes wide.

She recovered quickly, a sly grin spreading across her face. "What an interesting development."

Meanwhile, my mind raced. What is wrong with him?! This late in the game? Just two days before the end? I couldn't help but feel a thrill at the chaos it might bring. This is going to be fun.

"He said in an hour, right?" Iseul asked, eyes lighting up with a new sense of urgency.

I nodded. She let out a small, panicked huff. "Crap—I have to go choose my outfit. See you later!"

As she darted off, I stood there, the gears in my mind spinning. Choosing a new Match now, so close to the finale? What is Jungkook planning?

40 minutes later...

I stared at the closet in my room, still baffled by Jungkook's announcement. I'd gone through every possible angle, every reason he might have for letting us switch partners this late in the game. None of it added up. But I couldn't let this little shake-up throw me off track. Whatever Jungkook's up to, I'm not losing because of this.

First step to winning? 

Look like a winner.

I pulled out a sleek lace top, delicate yet bold, with intricate details that gave it an air of effortless elegance. The fabric hugged my shoulders, falling just enough to suggest mystery without giving too much away. Pairing it with a mini skirt, I slipped into it and took a look in the mirror. The skirt was just the right length, giving a bit of edge to the look, and it brought out a kind of confidence I'd need tonight.

Finally, I grabbed my knee-high boots, glossy and dangerously good-looking, giving me the height, style, and confidence that tonight's chaos required. Zipping them up, I took one last look in the mirror. With a final touch of lip gloss, I gave myself a smirk.

Let the games begin.

Just as I reached for the door, something caught my eye. A small envelope lay on the floor, half-tucked against the doorframe. I blinked, surprised—it must have slipped under the door while I was in the washroom.

My curiosity got the better of me. I bent down, picking it up and examining the plain, unmarked envelope. It felt heavier than I'd expected, the air around me suddenly felt thick with tension. I pulled out the letter and unfolded it.

"Y/n.... I'm in love with... You...

And I  already know my answer. But as strange as it may sound, let me call it simply Love in this letter.

Today, I watched you with Jimin in the garden and saw you both trying to make sense of things between you. And yet, what struck me was the way Jimin took it all in. He listened, accepted it, and somehow—even in that painful honesty—he supported you. He was happy to encourage your feelings for someone else, no bitterness, no resentment. Not that you're bound to each other in some deep, unbreakable way... but he was your match. He must have felt some sting of betrayal hearing that from you, yet he swallowed it down and still stood by your happiness.

When he responded on stage, so calm, so kind... it hit me. I realized then just how rare someone like him is. I'd never seen a heart so selfless. Truth is, I could never be that understanding, that gentle. Love, I've never experienced this kind of feeling before, and it's as though my heart is fighting itself over it. Part of me thinks it's silly to feel this way, but another part—well, that part refuses to let it go.

I know I could never provide the love, the patience, or the sacrifice Jimin offers so freely. He set his feelings aside for you. He showed his true heart, one that's better, one that's deserving. And that's what makes him a thousand times the person I am.

So, Love, I need you to let go of this little Secret Admirer. Forget that I ever existed. I don't deserve a place in your heart—not when someone like Jimin is there. Go and live your best with him... don't miss out on this gem for the sake of a mere stone.

With final regards,

Your Secret Admirer"

So, after all this, now the Secret Admirer decides to give up?! I closed my eyes, fighting the frustration bubbling up inside me. This couldn't be the end. Not now, not like this. If I didn't do something, I'd lose my chance to finally know the truth—to know him.

Taking a deep breath, I steeled myself. I have to make a move... this can't happen now.

I hurried down to the hall room, my heart pounding as I scanned the room. Everyone else was gathered, deep in their conversations, oblivious to the storm brewing inside me. My gaze landed on Iseul, who was leaning casually against a couch, laughing with the others.

Without hesitation, I made my way over to her, my steps quick and determined.

"Hi, Iseul, I need to talk to you." Without waiting for her response, I grabbed her arm and pulled her to a quiet corner.

She gave me a bewildered look. "What's going on?"

"Did you send me another letter?" I asked, my tone sharper than intended.

She rolled her eyes dramatically, then pointed to her chest. "Do you see these? These big boobs? That's where my dignity was before confessing to you." She shifted her hand to point behind her. "And this? This is where my dignity is now—after getting REJECTED by YOU!"

Her glare could've cut glass. "I'm not letting it fall any further." With that, she huffed and stomped away, leaving me standing there, speechless.

I sighed

"Well, this is it"

"Time to make my choice"

"But am I making the right one?"

I clutch the letter in my hand, resisting the urge to read it once again. After reading it a dozen times, I know its entire content by heart.

"Y/n......I'm in love with

You..."

Did the person who wrote this, meant it?

I felt a presence behind me, and someone leaned in close, their voice a low whisper just for me.

"It's time..." he murmured. "Soon, the cameras will start rolling, and you'll have to make your final choice. And not to be unnecessarily dramatic..." he paused, letting the weight of their words settle over me, "but your entire future depends on it."

I turned to meet his gaze, my heart pounding as I looked at him

"I know," I replied, my voice steady, but inside, I felt the gravity of the moment pressing down.

"I'm guessing the choice won't be easy," Jungkook said, a playful glint in his eyes as he looked at me. "From what I've seen, you've won a lot of hearts... left and right." His words hung in the air.

I allowed a smirk to spread across my face, leaning in just slightly. "I do have a lot of options... don't I?"

"Who are you going to choose?" he asked, his gaze steady and curious.

"I—uh, aren't you supposed to explain the rules first?" I stammered, trying to change the topic. "I mean... what if I choose someone, and they turn me down?"

He chuckled, a knowing glint in his eye. "Good question. Here's the official rule: You can choose any Hallyuwood Matchmaker contestant. And if they accept, they'll be your new Match."

"And if they reject me?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

He shook his head with a laugh. "I don't think you need to worry about that."

The clock was ticking, and I felt my heart race with anticipation. "I've got to go," he added, glancing at the stage. "Everything starts in five minutes. You should have your answer by then."

Without another word, he turned and strode confidently to the stage. Reaching the center, he paused to look at me, as if sharing a silent message, before drawing everyone's attention.

Any Hallyuwood Matchmaker contestant?

5 minutes later

"Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to another season of Hallyuwood Matchmaker! Just kidding, of course," he said with a wide grin, glancing toward the camera. "You can't wait for this one to be over, am I right?"

The audience laughed, and he continued, his enthusiasm infectious. "As you all know, the Hallyuwood Matchmaker system is usually... completely randomized. But today, you get the power to shake things up! What if you've fallen for someone who isn't your Match? No problem! Test their feelings by choosing them... and experience either a happy ending or a heartbreak. Better now than when it's all over, don't you think?"

He took a breath, letting the suspense settle over the room before smiling and gesturing toward me. "And now, the moment you've all been waiting for... May I please welcome our lovely contestant, Lee Y/N?"

The crowd cheered, and a spotlight swept over to me, anticipation thick in the air as I stepped forward.

"How are you feeling?" he asked, a playful grin tugging at his lips.

"Excited! This is an amazing opportunity!" I replied, letting my voice carry through the room.

He chuckled, raising a hand to his ear. "You can say it louder for the ones in the back!"

The audience erupted in cheers, their energy fueling my own.

He waited a beat, then leaned in with a mischievous glint in his eye. "Alright then... let's get to the point."

"Miss Y/n... Who are you gonna choose...."

I took a slow breath, letting my eyes travel across the room, lingering on each face that had confessed to me just hours ago.

First, there was Iseul, standing with her arms crossed, trying to mask her nerves with a confident smirk. Jennie met my gaze with an encouraging nod, her usual calm exterior softening for a moment. Then my eyes shifted to Taehyung, who looked away quickly, the faintest trace of hope flickering in his expression. And finally, I looked at Jimin. He held my gaze, his face gentle as he mouthed, "Follow your heart, Y/N."

I felt a pang of emotion, my heart hammering as I closed my eyes, letting all the noise fade away. Taking one last deep breath, I made my decision.

"It's You...."

"What?!" he looked at me, completely shocked.

"I want you, Jungkook..." I said, my voice steady.

He blinked, clearly caught off guard. "I... beg your pardon?"

"You heard me," I replied, holding my ground.

He let out a shaky laugh, glancing nervously around. "I think you misunderstood. I said you could choose any contestant—"

"Oh, I understood perfectly," I countered, crossing my arms. "Unless you forgot, you were a contestant in Season One of Hallyuwood Matchmaker. So technically, you qualify. After all, you said, 'any contestant.'"

"She has a point!" someone in the audience shouted, triggering a wave of cheers and laughter.

He shook his head, dismissive. "Don't be ridiculous. Of course, I meant contestants of this season."

"But you didn't specify that," I replied smoothly, meeting his gaze.

"Y/N... even if I accepted this absurd idea, there would be an uneven number of contestants!"

"Does that even matter at this point?"

"Of course it matters—"

I gave him a smirk. "Sounds to me like you're just avoiding the real reason. Are you too scared to admit your feelings? Or maybe, you just can't handle a challenge."

The audience went wild, already starting to chant our names together.

"I—"

"Mr. Jeon, if I may..." Fred's voice interrupted from the corner of the stage.

"You may not," Jungkook snapped, barely holding back his frustration.

"Mr. Jeon," Fred continued calmly, "I'm obligated to remind you that, according to the rulebook, any challenged contestant who rejects a proposal is required to find another Match."

"So if Jungkook refuses, he has to pick someone else?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Exactly," Fred confirmed.

"This is ridiculous!" Jungkook said, looking exasperated.

"Ah, but the rules..." I replied with a sly grin.

His jaw clenched, his gaze flicking to the cheering audience and back to me. "Fine. Fred, congratulations—you're the new host," he snapped.

Fred's eyes went wide. "Mr. Jeon?!"

"Huh?!" The audience reacted in unison.

Jungkook took a breath, squaring his shoulders. "Since I can't be both the host and a contestant, I quit." He gave the audience a quick, frustrated bow, and then stormed off the stage.

"Uhh, I'll be right back!" I said, quickly excusing myself and following him offstage.

"Wait—does this mean Jungkook accepted Y/N's proposal?" someone in the audience asked.

Fred shrugged, his eyes twinkling. "Judging by the situation... yes!"

The crowd erupted into cheers, their voices echoing through the hall as I hurried after him, feeling a spark of excitement light up within me.

I entered his office, the tension thick in the air, and found him staring out the window, lost in thought. I took a moment to lock the door quietly behind me.

"Jungkook..." I called softly, hesitating.

"Aren't you happy? Thanks to you, I'm going to be on the cover of every gossip magazine tomorrow!" he snapped, his back still turned to me.

"Will you please stop overreacting? I did it for us—"

"Us!? Why couldn't you just find that little secret admirer of yours—"

"Cut the nonsense!" I yelled, the frustration bubbling over. The room fell silent, our breaths the only sounds filling the space. I felt tears prick at the corners of my eyes. Taking a deep breath, I reached into my bag and pulled out the letter, hurling it at him.

"You're telling me you didn't write this?" I challenged, watching as his eyes widened at the sight of it.

"I—I don't know what you're talking about," he stammered, clearly taken aback.

"Oh please. I've watched you and the others this week. The way this letter is written, it describes you perfectly. It captures your thoughts, the love you've longed for since childhood. You've been scared of love ever since that incident. Now that you know I love you too, you've decided to distance yourself. Jimin is lovely, flirty, intelligent, and most of all, he's supportive. But I can't force myself to love him!" I exclaimed, my voice cracking.

"Y/N, I've seen the way you light up around him. He's the man everyone wants. He can give you the love that you and your future self-desire. He's a gem, Y/N. Don't lose that rare gem for a mere stone," he argued, his tone almost pleading.

"Jungkook, one who has never experienced love can truly give love. And that mere rock you keep talking about? Just so you know, diamonds are found in rocks. They're carefully mined and taken care of. I chose you for a reason. Because I like you..." My voice rose again, the words spilling out with passion.

Silence enveloped us, heavy and charged, as the reality of our feelings hung in the air, unspoken yet palpable.

In a moment of frustration, he grabbed my thighs, and before I knew it, I was pinned against the glass window, the cool surface contrasting sharply with the heat radiating between us. My heart raced, words dying on my lips as he captured me in a rough kiss that sent a jolt of electricity through my entire being.

In that fleeting moment, time seemed to stretch as the world around us fell away. The kiss was raw and desperate, igniting a fire deep within me that I never knew existed. My heart pounded like a drum in my chest, each beat echoing the intensity of our connection. His lips were firm against mine, demanding and urgent, sending waves of warmth coursing through my veins. I could feel every part of me responding to him—the way his hands gripped my thighs, anchoring me against the glass, the way his body pressed against mine, igniting a primal instinct to draw him closer.

But then, in an instant, he broke the kiss, pulling away as if the very act of letting go was a struggle. His expression shifted from passion to shock, and I could see the tumult of emotions playing out in his eyes. The tension hung thick in the air between us, and I was acutely aware of the heat radiating from our bodies, the way our breaths mingled in the charged atmosphere.

He said something, but the blood rushing in my ears drowned him out completely—honestly, it felt like I had just jumped off a roller coaster and was still trying to remember my own name. My heart raced like it was competing in the Olympics, and it took a solid moment of me staring at him blankly to calm down enough to decipher the words coming my way.

"Y/N, are you okay?" he asked, his brows furrowed in concern, but all I could think was how my brain had officially left the building. I was still trying to process the fact that I had just been kissed like I was the last slice of pizza at a party.

"Uh... yeah, just contemplating the universe," I stammered, attempting to regain some semblance of composure. "Like, why do they call it a 'drive-thru' if you can't actually drive through it? And also, do you think penguins have knees?"

His bewildered expression said it all. I could practically see the gears turning in his head, trying to figure out what on Earth I was talking about. "Penguins? What does that have to do with anything?"

"Nothing! Everything! I don't know!" I blurted out, throwing my hands up in mock exasperation. "It's just—well, I was momentarily distracted by your mouth and now I'm trying to think of a clever response, and all I can come up with is animal facts!"

He chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief. "You're something else, Y/N. Do you always deflect with random trivia after a passionate kiss?"

"Only the important stuff," I replied with a grin, my heartbeat finally starting to normalize. "So, about that kiss... does that mean I have to start carrying around a 'Kissed By Jungkook' badge or something?"

"Maybe more like an 'Owned by Jungkook' badge," he joked, and we both erupted into laughter. The tension from earlier melted away, replaced by the warmth of shared humor.

"We'll have a fresh start after the show?" Jungkook suggested, and I nodded, sinking into the sofa beside him.

"But I'm worried. The audience already thinks I've given you an unfair advantage over everyone! And now this... they'll think we're..."

"They'll think we're what?" I squinted, trying to catch his eye.

"Nothing," he replied, waving his hand dismissively.

Dude is really denying it after that thirsty kiss. I rolled my eyes. "For such a clever man, you can be ridiculously dense."

"Don't stare at me like that. We're definitely going somewhere we shouldn't," he said, trying to look serious but failing miserably.

"You don't want to let it?" I asked, leaning in seductively.

"Y/N, if it were up to me and what I want... we shouldn't be talking right now at all. Our mouths would be far too busy to bother with anything else," he replied, closing the gap between us.

"It sounds to me like you want to let it happen, Jungkook," I teased.

"Do I look like a man who's not using every ounce of strength to resist having you right here and now? One word from you will stop me. That's all it takes." His gaze was intense, like he was trying to read my mind.

"What if I don't want you to stop?" I smirked, relishing the challenge.

He grinned, a playful spark in his eyes. "Then what do you want? Tell me."

It was just the two of us now—no witnesses, no repercussions. Just a man who wanted me... the man I chose as my Match.

I stood up, my heart racing as I looked down at him. "Jungkook... take me to your bed."

"Straightforward... I like it," he said with a grin that could melt ice.

"Don't make me beg for it," I shot back, trying to sound tough.

"I'd love to make you beg for it," he replied innocently, lifting me into his arms as if I were weightless.

I let out a surprised yelp when he scooped me up, and laughter bubbled out of me. "What are you doing?"

His voice turned sultry, almost teasing. "Isn't it obvious? I'm carrying you into my bedroom."

I opened my mouth to protest, to say that I could walk just fine, but he knew exactly how to shut me up. I could feel my cheeks heating up as I melted into his embrace.

"Honestly, I could have walked," I managed to say between giggles, reveling in the unexpected princess treatment he was giving me.

"Sure, but where's the fun in that?" he replied, his eyes dancing with mischief as he carried me forward.

He set me back on my feet as we entered his room, and I couldn't help the small gasp that slipped out.

"Whoa..." I said, eyes widening as I took it all in. It looked strangely familiar, and as I glanced back at Jungkook, leaning casually by the door, I couldn't help but say, "This is just like that hotel suite we stayed in during the Runaway event!"

He laughed, shaking his head. "Don't be ridiculous. Of course, it's not the same room. I just...had mine redecorated after that night."

I raised an eyebrow. "But why?"

He shrugged, stepping in a bit closer. "Felt like making a change. Plus, I have very fond memories of that place. I mean, it was the first bed we shared, and, well, I had to have the same one."

"Jungkook," I scoffed, playfully hitting his arm as he grinned like a Cheshire cat.

"You know..." he began, voice low and teasing, "we could always recreate what we might have done that day." With that, he gave me a gentle push onto the bed, and I sunk into the soft mattress.

"Is that so?" I replied, laughing as I propped myself up on my elbows, watching him with an amused grin.

"Mmm," he murmured, settling in close and locking his eyes on mine with a wicked smirk. "I mean, this time, there's no room service to interrupt us. No noisy neighbors. Just you, me, and..." He leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper, "this bed."

I rolled my eyes, but couldn't hide my smile. "I'm listening..."

He let out a low chuckle. "Oh, I know you are," he said, and just like that, we were lost in the moment.

The left corner of his mouth turned up in that mischievous way, sending my heart pounding faster with every inch he closed between us. His scruff brushed against my chin, sending a shiver down my spine as goosebumps spread across my arms. His voice, rich and smooth as melted butter, purred in my ear.

"I didn't think it was possible, but you look even more beautiful now than that night."

I closed my eyes, feeling the warmth of his breath as he gently nibbled my earlobe. His perfect teeth traced a slow, tantalizing line along my jaw, making my pulse race, until, finally, his lips reached mine. I gasped, the tension thick in the air, and as our mouths moved together, each kiss was both a question and an answer—hungry, urgent, and perfect.

My hands found their way around his shoulders, pulling him even closer, tightly grabbing on to his shirt that no longer needed. I was acutely aware of everything—his hands tangling in my hair, his breath warm against my skin, his heartbeat thrumming in sync with mine. We moved together as if nothing else in the world existed, our whispered breaths mingling, becoming shallower, quicker, until we finally sank, side by side, into blissful exhaustion.

His arms held me close, his touch as gentle as it was grounding, like a blanket of warmth surrounding me. As I began to drift, I felt a soft kiss on my forehead, and his quiet words floated around me, cradling me in their sweetness.

"Thank you for choosing me, you minx," he whispered.

And as I fell into sleep, I couldn't help the smile that stayed with me, even in my dreams.

Next Morning

Nothing could have woken me up, but the firm knock at the door dragged me reluctantly from sleep. I slipped on a robe and padded over to see who it was.

"Lisa? What are you doing here? It's so early," I mumbled, rubbing my eyes.

"I know, I'm so sorry for waking you. You were probably... busy with Jungkook," she smirked, barely containing her grin, "but could you join me in my room after you freshen up? Pretty please!"

"Yeah, sure. I'll join you in an hour."

Closing the door, I turned to see Jungkook wide awake, arms open for me.

"Good morning!" he said as I dove into his embrace.

"Eww, you smell. You seriously need a bath," I teased.

He chuckled. "After all the 'workout' last night, it's no surprise." Just then, his phone started buzzing. "Oh, hi, Hyung... Wait—hold on—Jimin? Hyung, just send me the letter. Thanks," he said before hanging up.

"What's going on?" I asked, curious.

"Well, apparently, after my 'meltdown' yesterday, Jin and his wife, Miyu Yamamoto, are coming in as the new hosts," he explained, then added, "Oh, and there's a request for a wild card entry. Someone specifically asked to be matched with Jimin."

"Show me the letter!" I grabbed his phone and scanned it quickly. The photo was of a bright, smiling girl, radiating energy in yellow, with a distinct mole under her eye.

I recognized her instantly.

"Jungkook, can I talk to Jin?" I asked, determined. His puzzled look didn't faze me—I knew exactly what I had to request.

One hour later

I knocked on Lisa's door, barely getting out a "Hi—" before she yanked me inside and shut the door with a dramatic flourish.

"Hold on—calm down!" I laughed, surprised by her urgency.

She took a deep breath, eyes bright with excitement. "I have something to ask you, and it can't wait!"

"Alright, alright, tell me! What's so urgent?" I raised an eyebrow, a grin tugging at the corners of my mouth.

Lisa took my hands in hers, looking up at me with the biggest, most hopeful eyes. "Y/n... will you be my maid of honor?"

For a second, I was speechless, the words hitting me all at once.

"YOUR WHAT-!?"