YN |

Just how fast your life can change in one night.

Yesterday....I was standing in a lecture hall, speaking about human rights and women’s empowerment, telling young women they had the right to choose their future.

And now here I was, the irony so sharp it could cut. I wasn’t just a contradiction, I was a living mockery of my own words.

Victim. Yes, that’s what I was. Because what my family did to me wasn’t a joke or a misunderstanding; it was a betrayal wrapped in tradition and duty.

With layers of manipulation and gaslighting.

I had ambitions. I had plans. Just one more year and I’d be wearing that white coat, healing people, fulfilling a dream I’d built brick by brick.

But with one decision, one night, it all shattered, my life handed over like a pawn on a board, my voice stripped from me as easily as my freedom.

Marriage.

Such a beautiful word in someone else’s story. But for me, it was a trap designed by people who were supposed to protect me.

They weren’t family; they were puppeteers pulling my strings until I forgot how to stand on my own.

I stared at my reflection in the car window, strange, pale, and hollow-eyed. Was this really me?

I didn’t even know where this road led. The man beside me was a stranger.

The life ahead was a question mark I hadn’t agreed to.

Oh, what a joke my life had become.The kind of joke where you’re not laughing, you’re gasping,and no one notices you’re choking.

Jungkook’s voice broke through my fog. “If you’re tired,” he said gently, “you can sleep for a while.”
I blinked out of my trance, forcing my voice steady.

“I’m fine,” I whispered.

He glanced at me, a little smile tugging at his lips.

“Your voice is beautiful… I mean,” he chuckled softly, “I haven’t really heard it except for the wedding vows and the goodbye.”

Heat crept up my neck. I looked down, pressing my hands together. “Thank you,” I murmured, barely audible.

For a moment the car filled with silence again, but his gaze lingered, soft and patient. Then he spoke quietly to the driver. “Stop here.”

The car rolled to a halt in front of a softly lit restaurant. Jungkook slipped out first, then came around to my side, opening the door with a small bow, offering his hand. “Let’s eat something.”

I shook my head slightly. “I… I’m not hungry.” And it was true; my stomach was a knot of dread.

He tilted his head, eyes kind. “The journey is long and we’re not even halfway yet,” he said softly. “Let’s go, shall we?”

His tone wasn’t commanding. It was almost pleading, coaxing me out of my cage of silence. I hesitated, then placed my hand in his.

“Will you be okay walking in that wedding gown?” he asked gently, glancing at the heavy folds of fabric. “It looks… heavy.”

“Yes,” I whispered. But the moment I took my first step, my heel slipped, my ankle twisting under the weight of satin and lace. My breath caught as I tilted forward, but he caught me before I could fall.

“That was a bad idea, I guess,” he murmured, an amused softness in his voice.

Before I could protest, his arms swept under me and lifted me in his arms , effortlessly as if I weighed nothing.

My heart slammed against my ribs like a war drum, my cheeks flushing at the closeness.

I could smell the faint scent of his cologne, warm and steady, a strange comfort against the chaos inside me.

I couldn’t look at him. No way. My face was already red from his sudden gesture, and now every pair of eyes in the restaurant seemed glued to us as he carried me inside like some scene from a drama. His arms were steady, his expression calm, but mine — mine was a storm of embarrassment.

He set me gently down at a corner table, pulling out the chair with a quiet ease before taking the seat opposite. I lowered my gaze, fingers fidgeting with the edge of my veil as I adjusted it, desperate to hide my burning cheeks.

“So,” he said softly, a smile curling on his lips. “What would you like to eat?”

“Anything,” I muttered quickly.

“Anything?” His brows lifted, teasing. “Hmm…” He tapped his chin dramatically for a moment, then slid the menu toward me. “Here, order whatever you’d like.”

I hesitated, then took it with a small nod, my fingers brushing his for the briefest second. He picked up another menu for himself. The waiter came, took our orders, and Jungkook even leaned toward the driver. “Please have something too,” he said kindly.

I blinked at that. Such a small gesture, but it landed like a stone in my chest. My own family hadn’t thought twice before discarding me, yet here was this stranger showing more courtesy to a driver than my own brother had shown me.

We began eating in silence. My fork hovered above my plate, my thoughts spiraling in endless loops.

Jungkook didn’t rush me, didn’t fill the air with empty words, he simply ate quietly, as if my silence didn’t scare him.

And it struck me, again... that this stranger was nothing like the men I’d seen before.

-----

The journey felt endless, the ribbon of road stretching on and on until the world outside the window began to change.

By the time we finally slowed to a stop, the sky had dipped into shades of orange and rose, the sun sinking behind a line of distant hills.

I blinked out at the view. Gone was the city’s hard edge, the impatient traffic, the blur of neon lights.

Instead there was a quiet village, gentle breeze carrying the scent of earth and flowers, the faint chirping of birds somewhere in the trees, and, far away, the soft hum of a passing train.

It felt like stepping out of one world and into another.

Jungkook got out first. He moved around the car, opening my door like it was the most natural thing in the world.

He held out his hand. I hesitated only a heartbeat before placing my fingers in his. His palm was warm, steady.

The moment my feet touched the ground, a sharp sting ran up my ankle.

I winced. The twisting from earlier, I hadn’t felt it then, but now the pain had bloomed, hot and insistent.

Jungkook held me immediately and made me sit on the seat “Let me check” he said and I lifted the gown slightly.

And of course there was my feet , red and swollen from the twisting.

“You’re hurt,” he said quietly, his brows knitting.

“It's okay Mr. Jeon.... I’ll be fine,” I tried, but the tremor in my voice betrayed me.

He crouched slightly, eyes flicking from my face to my ankle. “Of course not....the swelling is so bad ,I don't think you will be able to walk”

“No really, I'm fine and I can walk ” I tried standing up but the pain was visible on my face , despite me acting all brave.

“Hmm , I can see!” he said.

And before I could protest again, his arms swept under me, lifting me as though I weighed nothing. I gasped softly, my arms tightening around his shoulders on instinct, my heart rattling like a drum.

“Let’s get you inside,” he said, voice low but firm.

The village’s evening sounds blurred as he carried me, the chirping of birds, the cool breeze brushing my veil, the scent of pine and damp soil.

Inside his arms, I felt small, almost weightless, and for the first time since the wedding, there was a sliver of quiet in my head.

He walked through the gate toward a traditional house, soft light spilling from its windows, the faint sound of cooking from within.

He shifted me gently, careful not to jostle my ankle, and stepped up onto the wooden porch.

“Welcome home Mrs Jeon” Jungkook murmured, and even though it wasn’t my home, the words landed like a whisper of something I’d forgotten how to feel.

The moment we stepped onto the porch, a wave of warmth and chatter hit me, but I felt like a deer caught in headlights.

The golden light from inside the house spilled over Jungkook and me, and suddenly I was painfully aware of every step he took.

Mrs. Jeon rushed forward first, her smile soft and kind.

“Welcome home, sweetheart,” she said, her eyes warm, and my chest tightened. I wanted to nod, to say something, but my tongue felt like lead.

Then Siya, his younger sister, appeared, twinkling with mischief.

“Wow, look at him!” she giggled. “Carrying you all the way here, and on his first day too.”

Heat surged to my cheeks. I couldn’t look at Jungkook...his ears were already pink, and I felt a sinking, ridiculous embarrassment as every eye seemed to land on me.

Jungkook’s low, patient voice broke through my panicked thoughts. “Siya… YN’s ankle is sprained.”

Mrs. Jeon’s concern replaced her teasing immediately. “Oh, you poor thing!” she said. “Jungkook, carry her straight to the room. Siya, bring essential oil from my room.”

I clutched at him instinctively as he adjusted his hold, trying not to squirm. My face felt like it might combust under the weight of all the eyes, the teasing, the warmth of the home.

Inside, the bedroom was soft and quiet. He gently placed me on the bed, careful not to jostle my ankle.

I lowered my gaze immediately, twisting my veil around my fingers to hide my flushed cheeks.

Mrs. Jeon and Siya followed, chattering gently, while another older woman entered ...Mrs. Han, the housekeeper, with a kind, wrinkled smile that somehow made me feel slightly more at ease.

Mrs. Han knelt beside me. “Lift your gown a bit , so I can check the ankle,” she said softly.

My cheeks burned hotter than before. I hesitated, eyes fixed on the floor.

Mrs. Jeon’s voice came then, teasing but motherly. “Jungkook, out. She must be shy because of you.”

I felt him raise his hands in surrender. “Okay… okay. I’m going.” The door clicked softly behind him.

Finally alone with Mrs. Jeon and Mrs. Han, I exhaled shakily, my shoulders sagging.

I sat on the bed, ankle still throbbing, as Mrs. Han gently massaged the homemade oil into it. Her hands were firm but careful, and her voice was soft, almost like a lullaby.

“You know mrs Jeon ? Your daughter in law is truly beautiful, just like the way you described” Mrs. Han said, glancing at me with a kind smile. “So graceful, even after such a long journey.”

Mrs. Jeon stepped closer, adjusting the folds of my gown delicately with her hands. Her voice was warm, full of pride.

“Yes… I feel so lucky to have YN as my daughter-in-law. The moment I saw her photo months ago I made up my mind that only she will become my daughter in law and when I showed her picture to Jungkook? He liked her immediately.”

I froze, my heart skipping a beat. Months ago? My chest tightened.

Mrs. Jeon continued, speaking softly but with a hint of explanation. “I got to know about her through one of my relatives. That relative asked mrs kim for YN’s hand for Jungkook… and without hesitation, she agreed.”

So this wasn’t rushed.

This wasn’t a sudden plan. It had been set in motion months ago… and I was the pawn in their game. My hands clenched in my lap, gripping the folds of my gown.

Mrs. Jeon smiled gently, as if reading my tension. “I even sent some gifts for YN before this day, and I was told she liked them.”

My brows twitched. Gifts?

And then it clicked...that dress. The one my sister-in-law had been so eager to photograph me in, flaunting it like a prize.

Oh god… that dress… it was from her?

I blinked rapidly, trying to process. The betrayal of my family’s manipulation, the kindness hidden beneath Mrs. Jeon’s words, the confusion, the helplessness… it all tumbled into a knot in my chest.

Mrs. Han noticed my frozen expression and gave me a gentle smile. “It’s okay, dear make yourself comfortable after all you are a part of this family now.”

I nodded softly, still clutching the folds of my gown, my mind whirling between shock, embarrassment, and the faintest glimmer of relief.

Mrs. Jeon crouched slightly beside me, her hands resting lightly on the edge of the bed. “YN, will you be okay if we do the paebaek ritual today?” she asked softly, her eyes warm.

“Or would you prefer tomorrow? It’s one of the main rituals after a wedding you know right? and it’s important to follow tradition.”

I blinked, surprised. The throbbing pain in my ankle had almost completely faded.

Maybe it’s the oil… or maybe adrenaline, I thought. I lowered my gaze, hesitant. I had no real choice. Nodding quietly, I murmured, “Today… is fine.”

“Hmm, I think we are still strangers huh?” mrs Jeon's voice came out , stern and serious.

“I...I didn't get it?” I asked, my pulse was already beating in my ears , did I make her angry?

“We are strangers, that why you have called me 'mom' ! Ever since you came here!” he looked away.

I left a breath, so this was the reason?

“I am sorry mom !”i looked down.

And she immediately sat beside me and held my chin “now now , that's my daughter, hey why are you crying? I was just joking ” she hugged me .

No I wasn't crying because I was frustrated, I was crying because it's been so long i had heard this word from my own mouth , I was feeling overwhelmed.

“Don't cry hmm!”she said rubbing my back , gently and I felt relaxed under her touch.

She wiped my tears “Now take some good rest , you must be overwhelmed because of the hectic day !”

I could just nod.

Mrs. Jeon smiled gently. “Good. I’ll send Siya to help you get ready. She’s very excited to assist.”

I swallowed hard, cheeks burning at the thought of his sister teasing me again, but I forced myself to nod.

“Rest for a little while,” Mrs. Jeon said kindly, rising. “We’ll leave you to prepare, and Siya will come soon.”

With that, she and Mrs. Han quietly left the room, closing the door softly behind them.

I exhaled shakily, curling slightly under the weight of the gown and my racing thoughts.

Alone now, the room felt both comforting and isolating, a strange mixture of warmth from their care and the ever-present reminder that my life had changed forever.

I hugged my knees lightly, staring at the folds of my dress, wondering how I would face the life ahead.

★★★

The paebaek ceremony had finally ended. The air was thick with the fragrance of tea and flowers, and every elder had offered their blessings, smiles warm and approving.

I bowed politely, trying to mirror their calm, but inside my chest, a storm raged.

Siya, ever the mischievous one, shot us a teasing glance that made my stomach twist.

No… no, I don’t know what to do. I didn’t even realize that marriage came with… all this. Including the wedding night! Oh god… please, please don’t make me go into that room.

I kept my gaze low, hands twisting in my lap, trying to breathe evenly. Jungkook’s hand brushed mine ever so slightly, and his soft, concerned voice reached me.

“Are you alright?You can go upstairs and rest , you must be tired because of all this” he asked, his eyes searching mine.

“No....I am fine” I shook my head, lips pressed together, but inside, panic surged. We’ll be staying in one room… together… forever! The thought alone made my heart race uncontrollably.

The ladies of the household pulled me gently to the side, chattering and fussing over me.

I hoped it would just end there, that I could stay out of that room a little longer, escape into busy conversation, hide from what was waiting upstairs.

But then, as if on cue, the clock struck nine. My mother-in-law, ever gentle, reached out and held my hand, her warmth grounding me. “Siya, please take her upstairs,” she said softly, her voice calm yet firm.

I froze, my chest tightening. Siya grinned knowingly and took my hand. I followed reluctantly, each step feeling heavier than the last.

His gaze met mine one last time before we parted ways, full of care and unspoken reassurance.

As we ascended the stairs, my hands clutched the folds of my gown, and my mind whirled in a thousand directions. This… this is happening. There’s no escaping now.

The moment Siya pushed open the door, my eyes went wide, almost jumping out of my skull.

The room… was nothing like I saw before leaving. Rose petals were scattered on the steps leading to the bed, soft candlelight flickered against the walls, and the entire space smelled faintly of jasmine and roses.

I froze in the doorway, my heart hammering in my chest. My legs felt like jelly, and a wave of panic swept over me.oh god… what is this… what am I supposed to do?

Siya’s voice, playful and teasing, cut through my panic like a knife. “Wow, look at this! How is the decoration? beautiful ! Right sister in law?”

I clutched at my gown, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks, my chest tightening.

“S—Siya… stop…” I whispered, barely able to get the words out.

She smirked, leaning in closer for just a moment. “Relax, sister-in-law… I was just playing around! But enjoy the moment… I’ll leave you to it....Bye!!!”

And just like that, she left, the door clicking softly behind her.

I sagged against the closed door, pressing my back to the wood as if it could shield me from everything. My hands trembled slightly, and I took a deep, shuddering breath, trying to calm my racing heart.

Alone… alone in this room. Oh god, what am I supposed to do now?

My palms pressed against my face for a moment, and I sank down slowly to the floor, curling slightly against the door, trying to gather the courage to even think about what was coming next.

A soft knock on the door made me freeze mid-breath. He’s here… My heart pounded violently, and for a moment, I couldn’t move.

I forced myself to act composed, smoothing my dress with trembling hands, and opened the door.

The moment my eyes met his, I froze again, his gaze was filled with concern, soft and steady, and it made my chest tighten in a way I hadn’t expected.

He stepped inside slowly. I instinctively took a few steps back, pressing myself against the corner of the room, unwilling to meet his eyes.

Jungkook noticed immediately, removing his watch with one hand, and asked lightly, “Why are you standing there like a statue? Did someone give you a punishment?”

My cheeks burned, and I shifted uncomfortably. “I-It’s nothing like that,” I stammered, brushing the sweat from my forehead.

He smiled faintly, calm and reassuring. “It’s your room too, YN. Make yourself comfortable.”

I swallowed, heart racing, and tried to nod. Slowly, deliberately, he took a step closer and reached out, holding my hand gently. My body stiffened at the touch, but I didn’t pull away.

He led me toward the bed, each step deliberate, careful. With every movement, my nervousness surged, and I realized my palm was shaking under his soft, steady grip.

He sat down beside me, and the mattress dipped just enough to send a ripple through my chest.

The scent of his cologne mingled with the sweetness of the rose petals spread across the room, wrapping around me like a quiet spell.

I moved slightly away, my fingers clenching the fabric of my dress. My heart was beating so loudly I was sure he could hear it.

Without a word, Jungkook reached into his jacket and took out a small velvet box. The way he held it, careful, deliberate...made the air feel heavier, almost sacred.

“I brought this for you,” he said, his voice softer than I’d ever heard it. “I hope you’ll like it.”

He placed the box into my hands. It felt cool and smooth, almost trembling with the same nervous energy running through me.

I hesitated, then slowly opened it. Inside, a pendant sparkled, catching the amber glow of the lamps.

A delicate teardrop crystal, its edges flickering with fragments of light, like a star had been caught and frozen just for me.

My breath escaped me in a shaky whisper. “It’s… beautiful.”

I glanced up at him, and his eyes were so full of something , not just concern, but something warmer, deeper... that I had to look away before my heart tumbled out of my chest.

“May I?” he asked quietly, nodding toward the pendant.

I could only nod. My hands felt useless as he lifted the necklace from the box. The chain slid over his fingers like liquid silver, the crystal swaying gently in the dim light.

When he leaned forward to clasp it around my neck, his knuckles brushed against my skin. I shivered, not from cold but from the strange, electric softness of his touch.

“There,” he murmured. “It looks beautiful on you.”

Before I could even blink, his hands came up to rest gently on my shoulders, urging me to turn toward him. I did, stiffly, my eyes glued to the floor.

Should I tell him? The thought swirled inside me like a secret tide. My palms clenched against my dress, fingertips trembling.

Then his palm moved , slow, deliberate... brushing a strand of hair away from my face.

The tips of his fingers grazed my temple before his hand slid down, cupping my chin completely, covering it with a warmth that made goosebumps erupt along my arms.

It was such a small gesture, but it froze me in place.

I couldn’t breathe.

“You’re so beautiful,” he whispered.

His thumb brushed against my chin, tilting it up with a gentleness that undid me. The cool metal of his ring grazed my skin, sending a tremor straight to my stomach.

“Look at me…” he said softly.

It wasn’t a command. It was a request, whispered like a secret, and somehow that made it harder to resist. My lashes fluttered, and after a shaky breath I lifted my eyes.

His hand was still warm against my chin when he exhaled, a faint tremor hidden in his voice.

“As we’re going to start a new life together…” he began, eyes not leaving mine, “…I want it to start with honesty and I will be honest about myself.”

My stomach tightened.

“I’m not a billionaire or any ceo who leads a multinational company,I am just an ordinary man and This—” he gestured faintly to the wooden beams above, the lace curtains swaying in the night breeze,

“—this is my life. Simple. Peaceful. And we didn’t just come here for tonight, YN. We’ll be staying here… forever. I knew you wouldn’t mind, but I still wanted to ask you in person…” His voice dropped lower.

“Will you lead this life with me?”

I blinked at him, my pulse so loud I could barely hear his words. He looked almost shy.

“I know I have already written it all in the letter I sent you,” he added softly. “And You said yes , still I want to hear it from your mouth.”

My head snapped up. Letter? What letter?

“W-Which letter are you talking about?” My lips parted but no sound came.

“You don't remember? Ah, it’s been months… you must have forgotten, never mind.”He smiled, as if this were all normal, but my heart hammered against my ribs.

I never received any letter.

I only met him today.

★★★