Y/N|

I stirred, my fingers brushing the empty space beside me. For a moment, I forgot where I was , the smell of new sheets, the weight of the unfamiliar silence.

I blinked at the sound of fabric rustling.Sunlight streamed through the curtains.

And then I felt something wet brushing against my cheek. At first, I thought it was a dream, soft and warm, a little ticklish,  until a tiny bark broke through the haze of sleep. My eyes fluttered open.

A pair of huge brown eyes stared back at me. A tiny doberman puppy sat beside me on the bed, tail wagging so fast it blurred, his little tongue darting out to lick my face again.

I froze for a second, surprised, then couldn’t stop the quiet laugh that bubbled out.

He was so cute!

“Hi there…” My voice was still raspy from sleep. The puppy tilted his head, as if he understood, and scooted closer until his paws brushed the blanket near my arm.

I reached out slowly, letting him sniff my fingers. His nose was cold and damp.

I’d never woken up like this before , not next to a puppy trying to shower me with affection. My heart felt too full and too strange all at once.

On instinct, I turned toward the bedside clock. 8:27 a.m. My stomach dropped.

“Oh no…” I whispered under my breath.The first morning in my new house, in his family’s house, and I’d overslept.

They’d all been so kind and welcoming yesterday, and yet here I was, tucked under blankets while the household had probably been awake for hours. Guilt pressed heavy in my chest.

The bathroom door opened softly. I jolted upright, tucking the blanket tighter around myself.

And there he was— Jeon Jungkook, walking out of the bathroom while buttoning his shirt like a Calvin Klein ad.

His gaze went straight to me, then to the puppy.

“Bam,” he said gently, his voice deep but soft. “I told you not to disturb her…”

He crossed the room and scooped the puppy up with practiced ease. Bam whined but melted into his arms instantly.

“I’m so sorry,” Jungkook said, eyes flicking to mine for a split second before darting away. “He… usually stays with siya. I didn’t realize he’d come here.”

“I-it’s okay,” I murmured, still holding the blanket close and trying to hide my embarrassment. “He’s adorable.”

“I like him too,” I whispered before I could stop myself.

For a second we just… looked at each other. The sunlight spilling through the curtains painted his face soft gold, and he seemed less like the stranger I’d married last night and more like someone I could almost reach.

“I’ll… get him out so you can rest,” he said, already half turning.

“You don’t have to,” I said quickly. “I was awake anyway.” My cheeks burned, but I added softly, “I should probably get up now.”

But the moment my eyes fell on the clock and realised he was the first one to wake up early, I whispered, “Why didn’t you wake me up?” The words came out in a hushed, panicked croak.

He glanced over his shoulder, calm as ever, and smiled. “You looked so peaceful while sleeping. I was going to wake you before leaving.”

Bam’s little head peeking over his arm.

Peaceful?

I probably drooled on the pillow.

“Oh god…” The embarrassment flushed hot through my cheeks.Great, YN. Just great. First impression, lazy wife who can’t even wake up on time.

I stumbled out of bed, nearly tripping on the edge of the comforter, and ran into the bathroom. The mirror showed a girl who barely looked like me, hair all over the place, eyes still heavy with sleep.

Focus. You can’t go downstairs like this.

I rushed through my routine, splashing cold water on my face, brushing my teeth at record speed,took a shower as fast as possible, thankfully the water was at normal temperature and not freezing.

Smoothing down the creases of my dress. By the time I stepped back into the bedroom, my heart was still beating fast.

Jungkook stood near the window, back half-turned, scrolling through his phone as if pretending to be busy.

The puppy was gone.

The room smelled faintly of his cologne and fabric softener. I moved toward the dresser, comb in hand, and started fixing my hair, trying to look composed even though my nerves were a mess.

When I glanced up, our eyes met in the mirror. His gaze was steady but shy, like he’d been caught staring.

“What happened?” I asked softly, eyebrows lifting.

He blinked and quickly looked away, rubbing the back of his neck. “Nothing.”

I couldn’t help it, a small smile tugged at the corners of my mouth. He really was… weird. Quiet. Careful. Not at all what I’d imagined an arranged husband to be.

Then, out of nowhere, his voice came again, low and uncertain but clear. “You look… beautiful in that dress.”

The brush stilled in my hand. Heat crept up my cheeks. “Thank you,” I said, just as softly, eyes dropping to the floor.

But suddenly I remembered I was late , so I quickly fixed my hair and checked if I looked presentable as a newly wedded daughter in law , if it made sense.

And he just stood there , as if observing my panic.

“Relax! It's your first day in this house,no one will give you a death sentence if you woke up a little late” he said fixing his hair.

“Exactly , it's my first day and I'm this late,” I muttered.

And then my eyes fell on the wedding clothes lying on a chair....great I forgot to keep them away.

I moved to put them in the bathroom,but, suddenly came the knock.

A gentle, almost musical knock knock knock.

“YN-ah? Jungkook-ah? Are you awake?” Mrs. Jeon’s calm voice floated in.

My stomach flipped. His mother. At the door.

I looked at Jungkook with panic in my eyes. “Oh god this room looks like a disaster, I need to fix this, Did you… lock the door?”

I whispered.... while putting the pillows I had kicked back on the bed and began adjusting the sheets in hurry

He paused, glanced at the knob, and blinked. “…I thought you did.”
I shook my head slowly. “No.”

Another soft knock. “Jungkook”

I hurried straightened the blanket. Jungkook moved at the same time, reaching for the scattered things on the dresser.

We were both whisper-moving like shy raccoons tidying up our nest.

Then it happened.

He turned at the exact same moment I stepped back.

His arm brushed mine, we both mumbled “sorry,” tried to step aside from each other , but fate has different plans when it comes to me , while moving away suddenly he lost his balance.

I gasped when I saw him falling in my direction and tried to move away but I couldn't.

The next second I was on the mattress, and he stumbled forward, catching himself with his hands braced on either side of me.

We both froze,our faces were Inches apart. Eyes wide. We were Not even breathing.

And right then, the door opened a crack.

“—YN-ah, dear, are you—” Mrs. Jeon’s voice stopped.

Silence.

A little inhale.

Then, softly, like she was suppressing a laugh “…Oh.”

The door closed again, and through the wood came her gentle, amused voice“You two… lock the door , oh god kids these days!”

I covered my face with both hands, whispering, “I want to disappear.”

------

The scent of rice, broth, and toasted seaweed wafted from the kitchen as we entered the living room. Mrs. Jeon — Okay I should call her mom from now— sat at the table, her warm smile already waiting for us.

Siya, was beside her, sipping tea. At the head of the table sat Mr. Jeon, reading something on his phone but lifting his gaze as we entered.

“Good morning mom!”I bowed slightly, murmuring a polite greeting.

“Good morning,” Mrs. Jeon greeted, her voice was smooth, elegant but kind. “Come, sit. Have breakfast.”

Jungkook sat beside me, quiet as always, his head slightly dipped.

The breakfast spread looked beautiful — homemade kimchi, rolled omelets, warm soup. Mrs. Jeon poured tea into my cup herself. “I hope you slept well,” she said softly.

“Yes, um… very well,” I replied, hoping my nervousness didn’t show.

Then, with an almost casual tone, Mrs. Jeon added, “By the way...I’ve heard you cook delicious meals, YN-ah.”

My fingers froze around the cup. “…Oh?”

“Your sister in law told me,” she continued with an approving nod. “Especially the galbijjim.”

Mr Jeon asked “Really? Then I’d love to taste yours someday.”

Heat crawled up my neck. Bora!!

She’d said that. Of course she would never leave me in peace.

I swallowed hard, trying to smile. “Someday… I’ll surely make it for you,” I said, my voice steadier than I felt. Inside, my pulse roared. I’d never even tried cooking that dish before.

Siya’s eyes lit up. “Ohhh, that’s one of my favorite dishes,” she said brightly. “It would be amazing to have one made by you.”

Mrs. Jeon’s smile brightened. “Wonderful! The ingredients are already here. Why don’t we prepare it tonight together? You’ll feel more at home in the kitchen that way.”

The smile on my face faltered just a little, the edges trembling.“T-tonight?”

“Yes,” Mrs. Jeon said warmly, completely unaware of the panic rising in my chest. “Everything you need is in the pantry. Take your time. We’ll look forward to dinner.”

Before I could find an escape, Mr. Jeon spoke up with a broad smile, setting his phone down. “Ah, finally! I’d love to try YN’s cooking.”

My hands clenched around the edge of my skirt under the table. My smile was still plastered on, but it felt paper thin. Inside, a cold trickle of dread ran down my spine.

Why hadn’t I just told them the truth?

Why had I let bora’s story stand?

Siya beamed, already chatting about how she’d clear her evening to taste the food. Mrs. Jeon looked genuinely pleased. Mr. Jeon looked thrilled.

I forced a small laugh. “Yes, of course… tonight then,” I murmured.

Jungkook glanced sideways at me, his brow slightly furrowed as if sensing my tension. But he said nothing.

As breakfast continued, my mind wasn’t on the food. It was already in the kitchen, picturing the disaster waiting to happen,and Bora’s little lie setting me up to fail from miles away.

There was no going back now.

★★★

Evening had slipped in before I could even realise it.

The sun dipped behind the hills and the small courtyard glowed under the orange sky.

I’d spent most of the afternoon with Siya, Mrs. Jeon and, of course, little Bam. They were all so warm, so easy to be around.

For the first time since stepping into this house, I felt something like being loved. It almost lulled me into thinking I belonged here.

But then the memory of that promise came back like a splash of cold water, the dish. The impossible, intricate dish Mrs. Jeon had mentioned this morning. My palms went damp. There was no way out now.

I inhaled sharply and squared my shoulders.

If I messed up, I messed up.

But at least I’d try. Secretly, in my room earlier, I’d gone over a recipe tutorial on my phone, memorising every step like my life depended on it.

The kitchen smelled of spices and fresh vegetables as I moved carefully, my hands trembling but determined.

Siya hovered nearby, her smile soft and her voice a small comfort. Whenever I couldn’t find an ingredient or forgot the next step, she quietly helped.

It was almost time for everyone to gather. I could hear Mr. Jeon’s laugh and Jungkook’s low voice from the courtyard. My heart began to race again.

Siya poured tea into a small tray, glanced at me and teased, “Go on, your husband must be waiting,” she said in a playful tone, handing me the tray.

The porcelain cups rattled slightly against each other as I took the tray. My hands were trembling so much I could feel the heat of the tea seep through the cups.

-----

The kitchen smelled like a festival, spices, simmering broth, and the sharp tang of chopped greens. My hands were moving fast, almost on autopilot, but inside my stomach was in knots.

The recipe played over and over in my mind like a mantra. I didn’t even notice Jungkook until his tall frame leaned against the counter.

Mrs. Jeon frowned slightly. “What are you doing here?”

“Just grabbing some water,” he said casually, opening the fridge. But when his eyes found mine, the air shifted. He didn’t need to speak.

The question was there in his gaze , Are you okay?

I forced a small nod, my lips curving just enough to say I’ve got this.

Then Mr. Jeon stepped in and, with that, Mrs. Jeon scooped up the tray of tea and left. Through the corner of my eye, I saw her settle on the couch in the living room, chatting warmly.

Which meant, she wasn’t coming back soon. Which meant, I was officially on my own.

Except I wasn’t.

“Do you…need help?” Jungkook’s low voice came from my side, startling me.

My hands froze mid-chop. I blinked at him, unsure. But the panic won. “Yes,” I breathed.

He didn’t hesitate. He slipped off his watch, rolled up his sleeves and began moving around the kitchen like he’d been doing this forever,tasting sauces, adjusting the heat, handing me the right utensils before I even asked. Siya wasn’t there, and somehow that made it easier,there was no teasing, no eyes watching.

“Start with the salad first,” he murmured, his tone calm but sure.

Every time Jungkook moved around the kitchen, my chest betrayed me. My heart fluttered wildly, watching him stir the sauce, taste a bit, then adjust the heat, so precise, so calm.

I shook my head quickly, scolding myself silently. Focus, YN. Focus on the dish.

And yet… every time our hands brushed while passing a spoon or a bowl, my heart skipped a beat like it was trying to escape.

I bit the inside of my cheek to steady myself, my ears suddenly aware of every small sound, the clatter of utensils, the hiss of simmering broth, the soft patter of his footsteps.

Then came Mrs. Jeon’s teasing voice from the living room, light and playful“Jungkook-ah! Are you done drinking water, or are you busy filling bottles?”

My eyes went wide. Oh no! I thought, my stomach twisting. What will she think? That this girl is making her son cook?

I could feel my cheeks heating up like I’d been caught doing something scandalous.

Jungkook, however, barely flinched. He chuckled softly, shaking his head without a hint of embarrassment.

“Stay at ease,” he murmured as he tasted a bit of the sauce, his eyes meeting mine for a fraction of a second. “My parents aren’t judges who will eliminate you if the food doesn’t taste exactly right.”

I blinked, startled at how calm and steady his voice was.

“And don’t ever feel bad if you make a mistake,” he added softly, adjusting the flame under the pot. “It’s natural. Everyone makes mistakes. It’s part of cooking.”

“Thank you so much for helping me , Mr Jeon!”

“Call me Jungkook!”

“Huh?”I blinked startled by his words , he wants me to call him by his name?

“Yeah , call me Jungkook, because ever since you have entered this house you keep calling me Mr Jeon and it feels odd, because I'm only used to dad being called by this name!”His focus was completely in steering the broath.

“Umm...I will try!”

“Try?No you have to say it now at least you can do this much for me?”his head snapped and I avoided his gaze.

“I.... it's difficult!” I started putting the used utensils in the sink and took out the new ones for serving.

But one bowl was on the top shelf and I tried to get it , just tip toe a little bit it didn't help, then I saw a stool placed in the corner.

Finally, I got the bowl and was about to get down when the stool shook and the next thing I knew I was falling back.

Great now I will surely hit the ground infront of him , embarrassment incoming.

I closed my eyes but it never happened , instead I felt two arms holding me still,and then slowly when I opened my eyes.

“Asking for help doesn't cost anything you know!” he asked and I tried to hide my flushed cheeks .

“I thought I could get the bowl and you were busy so—” I couldn't even finish when he started walking towards the counter where we were cooking.

“You think too much”yes he was right...I guess.

Then I realised the situation “put me down Mr Jeon ”

“Hmm?” He looked at me and then at the broath he was preparing,still carrying me like I weighed nothing.

“Put me down...or someone will see;” he whispered again.

"Oh?” he quickly helped me standing.

“But be careful, I won't be here to catch you every time!” His words, we’ll get through it... hit me like a soft breeze on a summer night.

My heart fluttered and a strange warmth rose in my chest.

Between the two of us, the impossible started to feel doable. The pots began to smell right, the sauce thickened just as it should, and my hands stopped trembling.

Before I knew it, the last garnish had been sprinkled and every dish sat finished, steaming gently on the counter.

“I’ll go now,” he said quietly, stepping back, wiping his hands on a towel.

“Mr. Jeon…” The name slipped out before I could stop it.

He turned. His dark eyes met mine.“Yes?”

“Thank you”

★★★