🥀 9. 𝐀 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐭

Enjoy!🌸

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The gentle afternoon sunlight filtered through the white lace curtains, falling with the wooden kitchen tiles. Jungkook stood by the marble countertop, dressing in a flowered apron.

Jungkook's lengthy, dark black hair was pulled back and secured by her hair tie, her three clips adorning the right side, ensuring not a strand dared interrupt her. Her hands danced between the stove and the chopping board.

On the stovetop, a pan was kept, where finely diced onions and minced garlic were getting cooked in a pool of olive oil.

Beside the pan, a large pot of pasta boiled, sending steam upward. The starchy aroma of the pasta intermingled with the fragrances of the sauce and sauteed vegetables.

Jungkook checked the pasta one last time, scooping out a sample to test —Perfectly done. She drained the pasta, the steaming water swirling down the sink. she plated the pasta, spooning the sauce over it. The basil leaves, now wilted from the heat, added a vibrant splash of green.

Jungkook stood back for a moment, surveying her result and exclaimed in satisfaction, "Well done! kookie."

Jungkook looked back at the pot and hit her forehead with her palm, "Oh no, I made it in excess. Mama is also out for market and this food is perfect for small gatherings rather than two persons.
Idiot, What do I do with my lovely pasta? I can't let it waste."

"I will eat first and then do something," jungkook shook her head and sat down to eat her tempting pasta. Her mouth salivated as she dug the fork inside.

Just as she finished eating, her phone rang. She saw the caller ID and her eyes furrowed, "why is he calling now? Today is the holiday I got after for a whole damn week," she thought and picked up the call.

"Hello, good afternoon, Sire," jungkook greeted formally.

"Good afternoon, Ms jeon. Have you completed the report on the Somerville project? I need it urgently for further process," jungkook's eyes widened as soon as the older man's words were processed in her mind.

"Holy moly, how can I forget about it?" abusing her lower lips, her eyes widened, she thought and recalled the days that she wasted instead of doing work, just because the file was boring.

"Ms jeon? Ms jeon? Are you there?" a sharp and intidimating voice brought her out of a trance.

"Umm, Mr Kim, t-th-that file is incomplete," jungkook spoke submissively afraid of the explosion.

"I want you at Kims manor within 30 minutes and with the file. Am I clear?" the baritone voice made the shiver run through her spine.

"Y-yes, Sire," with that, a beep sound was heard.

•————-🥀————-•

Kim's Manor

As soon as Taehyung cut the call, the family members were thrilled by the news of jungkook's arrival. Taehyung looked around and saw everyone smiling brightly. Well jimin is an exception, that person has been on cloud nine from the time she came to know that jungkook is Alara.

"Taehyung, why are you standing here? Go and take a bath and don't forget to put some Cologne," Yi-jun spoke up.

"Why?" taehyung asked raising one of his eyebrows.

"Because jungkook is coming," jimin shouted from behind. Taehyung rolled his eyes and shook his head at their behaviour.

"I will be in the home office. Please do inform me of Ms jeon's arrival," taehyung said and went away towards his office.

"Wait, wait, hyung, we need to keep the buds in one of your file to confirm that jungkook is Alara. I'm coming with buds," jimin sprinted away to fetch the buds.

Jimin kept the Buds inside the file so that when jungkook would open the file, the flower would bloom.

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Jungkook rang the bell, and her one hand was occupied with files and a few boxes. A Butler opened the big door and greeted her. Jungkook smiled at him and stepped inside. Her sparkling doe eyes moved around to find someone, who destroyed her weekend.

"Omo, jungkook, come, how are you?" jimin came to jungkook and hugged her while Jungkook reciprocated the same with a captivating smile.

"I'm fine. Where is your brother?" jungkook enquired.

"Eager to meet, aren't we?" jimin wriggled her eyebrows and laughed after noticing the red colour of jungkook's cheeks.

"N-no, it's not. H-he was the one who called me here," jungkook shuttered, suddenly feeling warmth sweeping through her body.

One by one, every family member came there and exchanged greetings with her. Taehyung stepped down the stairs and saw how jungkook was encircled by his family members. He caught a glimpse of a food container passing from one hand to another.

"Hyung, come here. Have a taste of Kookie's food, " jimin said filling her mouth with pasta, sauce dripping down from the side of her lips.

"At least, eat like a human. You are so messy—" taehyung's later words became incoherent when jimin shoved a spoonful of pasta in his mouth. Jungkook pressed her lips hard to control the laugh erupting from inside. She looked at taehyung who threw a deadly glance at jimin.

Taehyung chewed the food slowly, absorbing the savoury flavours which were pleasantly surprising to his taste buds. A single bite filled his body with warmth and an urge to taste more.

Jungkook observed her boss's expression as he chewed the food slowly and saw a subtle nod of affirmation, hidden by everyone's eyes. Her eyes cast downwards, unknowingly feeling a ticklish sensation in her abdomen, realising that her boss liked her food.

"Ms jeon, follow me," taehyung ordered after wiping his mouth with a tissue.

Jungkook nodded and walked behind him. Unknown to the fact that a curious human was following them.

Taehyung came into his office followed by jungkook. Just as he was going to close the door, jimin appeared from nowhere.
"Umm, hyung? Can I also come inside? Pretty please, I will not disturb you, promise. Just let me sit with jungkook," jimin battled her eyelashes, trying to act cute — an attempt to step inside taehyung's office.

"No," with that, taehyung shut the door in her face.

He locked it and turned towards jungkook, whose eyes were observing the room decor, lips pulled out a little, eyes sometimes squinting them to understand a particular piece of decor.

The walls of the office were adorned with a few framed photographs of family members, a shelf of books and a whiteboard displaying the ongoing projects.
A soft scent of lavender from a nearby diffuser wafted through the room mixing with the scent of freshly brewed coffee wafted from a nearby kitchen. It added a touch of relaxation to the atmosphere and offered a comforting backdrop.

Shelves with carefully arranged reference books and binders lined one wall, showing their dedication to staying organized and informed. Taehyung's desk was filled with leather-bound journals, carefully placed pens, and a sleek, high-end computer setup. A leather chair was placed behind his desk, offering both comfort and a sense of authority.

"If your little exploration is finished, can we start the pending work, Ms jeon?" taehyung asked pulling jungkook out of her trance, he moved closer to her and took the file away from her hand, her sparkling eyes fixed on him. Taehyung asked jungkook to sit on the couch and he soon came here with his laptop and other necessary materials.

Bathed in the gentle glow of natural light sweeping from big glass windows, they sat side by side, the richness of the leather cushions providing tactile comfort. In the quiet confines of the home office, Taehyung, sat at one end of the couch with his laptop resting on his thighs. He was dressed in a casual yet refined manner, with the top button of his dress shirt casually undone. His gaze was fixed on the laptop screen, his fingers dancing over the keyboard as he navigated through reports and spreadsheets. He exuded an air of authority as he carefully reviewed documents, a contemplative frown appearing on his face from time to time.

Meanwhile, Jungkook, sat beside Taehyung, her laptop balanced on her lap. She occasionally glanced at Tae's screen, ready to assist or provide information whenever he needed it. A small notepad and pen rested at her side, in case she needed to jot down any important notes or reminders. Her presence was efficient and unobtrusive as she typed away on her laptop, reviewing the pages and marking the important points. The room was organized and devoid of distractions, fostering a productive work environment.

Their interactions were characterized by brief exchanges, with Taehyung occasionally giving instructions or asking for updates. they would exchange a glance or a subtle nod of approval, unspoken acknowledgements of their shared commitment to their tasks and Jungkook responded with prompt professionalism. The faint hum of the air conditioning and the gentle ticking of a wall clock and laptop were the only sounds that interrupted the hushed concentration in their silent home office. Taehyung and Jungkook worked in companionable silence, their physical proximity reflecting their strong professional bond.

Taehyung looked at the Red file placed on the coffee table, he thought about the plan given by his grandma to confirm whether jungkook was Alara or not. Glancing at jungkook who was busy writing, he picked up the file.

"Ms Jeon, this file will help you to summarize the key points," he offered the file in her hands. Jungkook took the file and opened it. She frowned when she saw some flowers and buds kept inside it. Touching them, she asked, "Sire, these flowers?"
She glanced in taehyung's direction, her fingers gently caressing the soft petals, unaware of the fact that buds bloomed with her touch.

Taehyung hurriedly pulled the file from her hand and pushed away the flowers on the empty tray kept on the table.
"Sorry for the inconvenience," taehyung apologized, passing the file to her. Jungkook shrugged her shoulders and continued to do the work. Taehyung looked at the flowers, there were no buds left, and every bud had turned into a beautiful white flower. He darted his persistent gaze at jungkook's side profile, a flashback of their interaction played in front of his eyes. Sighing loudly, he wondered, "How can jungkook be an Alara? This girl always carries problems wherever she goes. Will she be able to protect me or my family?"

After some time, taehyung and jungkook closed their laptops and began collecting the paperwork, markers, files and stationery items that were scattered everywhere.

"I hope next time you will remember to complete your work on time," taehyung said putting his files back on the shelf.

"Yes, Sire," jungkook stood up, her eyes lingering on the beautiful flowers, "Sire, I-if you don't mind, could you please give me one flower? They are so beautiful."
She requested pointing to the flowers kept on the table. Taehyung moved closer to the table, crouching down he picked up a few flowers and forwarded them to jungkook. She smiled brightly, muttering a couple of thank you, she accepted the flowers, eyes lightening up with childlike excitement. Taehyung observed her slight jumping on her toes after receiving them.

"Come, let's go," taehyung moved ahead to step out of the room, with a dazed jungkook, who was busy smelling the sweet fragrance and caressing the soft petals and clutching her bag in another hand.

"Dear, is your work done?" Yi-jun inquired as soon as taehyung and jungkook came into the main hall. She smiled after noticing the blooming flowers in jungkook's hands, dismissing every conflict in her mind. Jungkook looked up from the flowers and nodded.

"Yes, Mrs Kim, I will take the leave now,"

"Come back soon, dear,"

Jungkook smiled lightly, she glanced at taehyung, "Sire, thank you once again for the flowers and I apologize for leaving the work incomplete. Because of my laziness, your holiday got wasted. Please accept this as my apology and sorry I'm giving your own flowers to you." She waited for taehyung to extend his hand but saw no response.

"It's okay if you don't want—" she stopped when a hand came forward. Jungkook passed the flower and waved goodbye to her boss.

With hurried steps, she went out of the mansion.

Taehyung looked at the running figure and then at the flower. Yi-jun gently touched his shoulder, her grey eyes filled with calmness, "Finally, we came to know about real Alara. Now everything will be all right."

Taehyung nodded, he walked back to his room and took out a glass box from his closet, keeping the flower in it and hid the box at the furthest corner of his closet.

He took his phone and dialled the number, as the call was received, he said, " I want every single information about my Secretary within 24 hours,"

"Yes, sir,"

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2 days later

Jungkook glanced at her reflection and loathed it. She was forced into a role that didn't suit her at all. The gown highlighted her figure, but it felt more like a cage than a garment. Layers of heavy, decorated fabric in dark colours felt like a burden to her, making her movements difficult. Jungkook's face twisted in deep discomfort.

It was clear that this attire was not a reflection of her true self but a costume she had been forced to wear.

Jeon Kara stepped inside the room, her greedy eyes twinkling as she saw her daughter dressed in that attire.

She moved towards and kissed jungkook's palms, "My my, O my dear, you are looking so beautiful. May God protect you from evil eyes."

Her sharp eyes noticed the gloomy and uncomfortable expressions of her daughter.
"Dear, are you—" "koo, where are you?" an enthusiastic voice chirped in.

Jungkook turned and exclaimed, " Ara,"

"Hi, koo?" Ara looked at jungkook from head to toe, "what are you wearing?" Jungkook didn't reply and looked at her lap. Ara figured out her inner turmoil.

"Umm, Kara aunt, can please let us talk alone for a few minutes?"

Kara left the room when Ara asked for a moment alone with jungkook. Ara, with her eyes filled with tenderness, reached out to Jungkook, "Koo, I know you love your mother, but this isn't the way. You shouldn't have to sacrifice your innocence for her desire."

Jungkook, her voice quivering, replied, "Ara, I don't know what else to do. She's hopeless, and she believes this is our only way out of poverty. Even after setting up my marriage."

Ara's grip on Jungkook's hand tightened. "But, koo, there are other ways. This is something serious. We can find a way to help your mother without you having to perform in a way that will forever change you. You do not realise the path you are choosing will destroy you, there is no coming back. "

Tears welled in Jungkook's eyes. "I'm also so scared, Ara. I don't want to let her down, and I don't want us to suffer any longer. Mama said that the CEO would give her 1 lakh."

Ara's voice was soft but resolute. "You're not letting her down. You're showing her that there are more important things than money and that you deserve a life that's true to your heart."

Jungkook reflected upon Ara's words. She knew her friend was right, but the fear of disappointing her mother was a powerful force. "I want to believe you, Ara, but what if I'm making a mistake?"

Ara leaned in and held Jungkook's pale and flushed face in her hands, looking deep into her teary eyes. "Jungkook, making the right choice is not a mistake. It's an act of courage. And I'll be right here to support you, no matter what you decide."

・•・•・•

Kims Manor

"What? Jungkook is the daughter of a courtesan?" Yi-jun exclaimed loudly unable to process the information.

"Yes, Grandma, her mother's name is Jeon Kara," Taehyung replied.

"Jeon Kara, Mom, do you remember? She was the famous courtesan of her time. And Alara is her daughter," Soomin said in disbelief as she remembered the old times.

"This doesn't concern anymore, that practice is forbidden. It doesn't matter whose daughter Alara is. The thing which matters is that we need Alara's help to break the poison,"

Soomin's voice fluttered with suppressed rage as she spoke, "That Kara's daughter? Do you want to seek help from that courtesan's daughter? The daughter of the woman who tore our lives apart? And I know the practice is forbidden but people don't change. They have the same greedy blood,"

"you talks are of no importance now, Soomin. Why don't you understand?"

Soomin's voice quickened, "What do you want now, Mother? To bring that low life in my house, who is a coutsean. The one who doesn't care about anyone. Nothing matters for them except-- Money. Those filthy people can cross any boundary for their desire and greed. They can marry anyone for the luxury."

"Soomin, jungkook's mother is a courtesan, not jungkook. That girl works in our taehyung's company. She is too innocent for her mother's cruel world." Yi-jung justified jungkook.

Soomin's eyes flashed with hatred. "I don't care if Jungkook is different. I can't stand the thought of having any connection with that family. You should have thought about how I'd feel. That Jeon Kara, she snatched my husband away from me. You have no idea what I've been through because of her! She is the reason my world crumbled, and you're cosying up to her daughter?" "

"But Jungkook is the Alara. The only person in this world who can cure you and save Taehyung from the curse of the Jinn."

Soomin's frustration boiled over, and she rose from the chair, " I'm ready to die than taking help from that courtesan's daughter. Mark my words,"

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Taehyung paced in the spacious room waiting for his grandma to finish the talk with the Rosie, his anxiety escalating with every passing moment.
Grandma came running inside, "Taehyung, we need Alara right now,"

"What?"

"Yes, the Golden witch said that Alara's touch on your mother's body can break the poison spread. Go and get her here, fast,"

His mother's health had taken a dangerous turn, and only one person could potentially save her – Alara, Jeon Jungkook. With trembling fingers, he dialled Jungkook's number, desperate for help.

As the phone rang, Taehyung's heart raced. He needed Jungkook more than ever. He spoke as soon as the call connected, "Hello, Ms Jeon."

"Who?" an unknown voice asked.

"Kim Taehyung speaking, can you please tell Jungkook to stay where she is? It's my mother she's—-I don't know what to do..." taehyung stammered at the end not wishing to complete the dreadful sentence.

"Jungkook is currently busy. She can't help you," the cold response felt like a blade through Taehyung's chest.

Taehyung's voice trembled with misery and anger, "You don't understand! It's her life on the string! My mother is dying. You need to tell Jungkook, now! Only she can help."

Taehyung's anger increased when he heard a beep sound. He was left in shock, the weight of despair bearing down on him. Why was Jungkook unavailable when he needed her the most? The lack of information only intensified his frustration. He couldn't afford to waste any more time, so he decided to take matters into his own hands.

On the other hand, Kara blocked the number and switched off the phone hurriedly, not wanting any third person to destroy her plan of getting a huge sum of money.
"Mama, whose call was it?" Jungkook questioned.

"Wrong number, dear," Her greedy eyes twinkled and she sneakingly threw the phone away after sending jungkook away.

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Taehyung rushed to Jungkook's house, bloodshot eyes fuming with anger. He found the door of the house locked, kicking at the door, he gritted his teeth, " I asked them to stay at home."

He looked back and found Arathorn sitting on the car roof, "Arathorn, do you know where are they? Take me there," Taehyung sat inside the car and followed the majestic Eagle.

Arathorn flew high in the air, his sharp wings cutting the air current, sharp eyes ready to trace the path. He stopped and circled a taxi, a gesture that he found the missing person. Taehyung accelerated the car and blocked the path of the taxi, overtaking the vehicle. He stepped outside and moved forward, his steps filled with anger. The passengers of the taxi came out. Taehyung's blank eyes spotted the person he was searching for.

He held jungkook's wrist in a painful grip, "I asked you to stay at your house, Ms Jeon,"

"When?" jungkook weakly muttered unable to withstand the piercing gaze, she shook her hand to get out of the painful grip. Taehyung didn't listen further and began to drag her.

"Hey, Mister, where are you going away with my daughter? Huh? Give her back to me," Taehyung identified the voice, and his eyes shifted away from jungkook.

"So, the person on the call was you? Didn't I tell you that I want jungkook's help? My mother's life is at stake," Taehyung questioned, his murderous gaze lingering over Kara.

Jungkook's eyes widen as she tries to process the information. She looked at Mother, a stare that demanded the explanation behind Taehyung's words. Her heart yearned for nothing but to help Taehyung's mother.

"So what? Huh? I don't care about someone's life. Now leave my daughter's hand. Today is a very big day for me and you are making us late. Jungkook, come here," Kara held jungkook's hand and pulled her. Jungkook opened her mouth but an angry voice beat her.

"She will not go anywhere." his words broke Kara's patience.

"Look here Mister, jungkook is my daughter and she needs to perform in the MLA's reception. If we don't get there on time then I will not get the money. So, leave us. Find someone else you will save your mother. Spare my child,"

The words of his mother about courtesan rang in his mind, Taehyung pulled out the expensive rings and watch from his right hand and forwarded it.

"Their price," Kara's eyes shined looking at the Diamond watch and rings, a greedy smile threatening to come on her face.

"5 lakhs," a loud gasp left Kara's mouth, she hurriedly snatched the pricey items, "Go jungkook, he needs your help,"

"But, Mama,"
"Jungkook, just go," Kara hissed, hands busy in tracing the jewels.

Taehyung grabbed Jungkook by the wrist and dragged her to the car, his anger evident in his grip.
Once they reached the manor, Jungkook's mind was clogged by her mother's words and greedy actions yet she decided to try her best to help Taehyung's mother. She couldn't believe how greedy her mother had become.

"Mom, Grandma, where are you all? Look, I brought Alara with me," Taehyung shouted, eyes searching his grandma. Jungkook furrowed her eyebrows when she heard the word Alara.

Yi-jun brought Soomin out of the room, who was persistent in not coming out. "Mother, I told you that I wish to die rather than get cured by that courtesan's daughter. Why don't you understand?"

"This is not the time to think about all this. Your life is in danger and only jungkook can cure you," Yi-jun gently placed Soomin on the sofa. Grandma saw black patterns forming on Soomin's face.

Grandma picked up a glass bowl and the knife, an exquisite, slender blade forged from a mysterious, iridescent metal that never dulls, capable of slicing through the toughest materials with fineness. A symbol of extraordinary power, with a rich history and an air of destiny. She gestured to taehyung to hold the prestigious weapon.

"Jungkook dear, you will feel slight pain. We need your blood to break the curse. Will you allow us?" jungkook nodded, her heart ready to do anything to save the dying woman.

"Taehyung, proceed further," Taehyung aligned the sharp metal on his skin, finger tightly wrapped around the lower end. He sliced his right palm effortlessly, face devoid of any pain. The droplets of blood gushed out, pooling over the glass bowl. He forwarded the knife to jungkook who was in a daze.

Jungkook shakily held the knife in her fingers, aligning over her right palm. Her hands trembled, and she bit her lower lip in nervousness. Taehyung observed her quivering body, he went behind her and wrapped his big hand over her fingers tightly, the other hand providing support to her shakey right palm. He sliced her pale skin, a small yelp came out from jungkook's mouth and soon the blood gushed out, mixing with taehyung's.

Grandma mixed the bloomed buds' water in their blood. The deep red colour of blood slowly turned into a beautiful blue liquid, smoke emerging from it.

"Jungkook and Taehyung, throw this magical liquid in Soomin's direction."

Grandma poured the liquid into their palms. Taehyung hurriedly threw the liquid, his eyes filled with hope—A hope to see his mother safe and healthy.

But before the liquid could touch her face, the poison reached her eyes making her blind. A splash of liquid yanked Soomin out of her daze. She opened her eyes, and taehyung frowned seeing as he saw greyish eyes.

"T-Taehyung, where are you? I can't see you," Soomin held her hands in the space, fiddling them to find someone. Taehyung kneeled in front of his mother and muttered lowly, "Mom."

Taehyung caught between the agony of his mother's condition and his frustration at Jungkook, couldn't help but unleash his anger.

He moved towards Jungkook, towering over her small figure, " Where were you? I called and texted you several times yet you went away,"

"I-I don't know,"

Taehyung shouted at Jungkook, his voice filled with pain and anger, "You should have been here when I called! My mother might not make it because you weren't here!"

The words were harsh, but they came from a place of fear and helplessness. Jungkook flinched hard at her place, she clutched her dress in a tight grip and her eyes were stuck on the floor.

"Taehyung," Yi-jun warned Taehyung as she saw jungkook fisting her dress in fear.

Taehyung's anger clashed with his realization that lashing out at Jungkook wouldn't change the situation. He felt guilty and took a deep breath, struggling to regain control of his emotions. With trembling hands, he whispered, "I'm sorry, Ms Jeon. I can't lose my mother."

Jungkook couldn't tear her eyes away from Taehyung, who kneeled beside his mother. His usual confidence had crumbled. His shoulders slumped, and his eyes were fixed on his mother, filled with despair, helplessness and the unspoken fear of losing her.

Taehyung's hands trembled as he reached out to grasp his mother's withered hand. He held it gently. Jungkook noticed the unshed tears glistening in his eyes, his emotions laid bare in that vulnerable moment.

The male looked at his mother, Jungkook couldn't help but feel a deep empathy for Tae. She saw the love and anguish in his eyes. She wished she could provide some comfort, but all she could do was stand silently by his side.

For the very first time, She saw the powerful aura of Taehyung crumbling down.

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Happy reading!
Thank you🌸