AUTHOR'S POV

YN stared at the message on her phone. Her eyes remained fixed on those few words.

“Your sweet husband is actually a poor farmer?”

For a few seconds, she didn't react.

Bora had probably expected tears.

Maybe anger.

Maybe even a frantic call to her brother.

Perhaps she had imagined YN sitting somewhere in that little village, staring at the message while feeling humiliated about the life she had been forced into.

But Bora had forgotten something.

YN had changed.

Slowly and quietly.

And perhaps she hadn't even noticed it herself until that moment.

YN lifted her eyes from the screen.

Across the field stood Jungkook.

His clothes were covered in dirt, his hair damp with sweat, his hands rough from work.

He was laughing with one of the farmers, completely comfortable in his surroundings.

There was no shame in the way he worked.

No embarrassment.

Only pride.

YN looked at him for a long moment. Then her eyes returned to the message.

A tiny smile appeared on her lips.

Poor farmer?

Was that supposed to insult him?

Her fingers moved across the screen as she typed something.

Stopped.....Deleted it....Then typed again.

This time, she didn't hesitate.

YN:Poor farmer?

Bora received the message almost immediately. She frowned as another message appeared.

YN:Bora, is that supposed to insult him?

Bora's eyebrows pulled together. She hadn't expected a reply so quickly. Before she could even decide what to say, another message appeared.

YN:Because if you're trying to make me feel embarrassed about my husband working hard for his family, you should probably try harder.

Bora stared at the screen , disbelief was written all over her face.

YN: At least he's doing something with his own hands.

Bora's expression darkened. Her fingers tightened around her phone.

But YN wasn't finished.....Not even close.

YN:And honestly? I'd rather be married to a hardworking farmer than be like a woman who spends her entire life calculating how to control other people's families.

Bora's face went still and her eyes widened. "What...?"

She read it again....Her cheeks slowly turned red in embarrassment.

Nobody had ever spoken to her like that.

Especially not YN.

The girl who had spent years swallowing every insult. The girl who used to lower her eyes whenever Bora raised her voice.

The girl who would rather cry alone than create a scene.

YN:You keep calling me spoiled, but you're the one who seems obsessed with what I have.

Bora's jaw clenched.

YN:My brother's money.

YN:My house.

YN:My education.

For a second the typing bubble disappeared.

Then—

YN: My husband.

Bora's eyes narrowed.....Her breathing became heavier....her hands were itching to claw at something... because she felt humiliated by yn's words.

And then came the message that hit harder than all the others.

YN: It's almost funny, Bora. You spent years trying to take everything away from me, and somehow you still haven't realized something.

YN: I don't need any of those things to know my worth.

I don't need to beg, manipulate, or perform cheap little bedroom tricks just to earn a crumb of affection or a delicate little pendant.....

Silence.

Bora stared at the screen. For once, she had absolutely nothing to say.

But YN still had one final blow left.

YN:So yes. My husband works in the fields.

YN: And I'm proud of him.

YN:You should try being proud of yourself sometime. Maybe then you wouldn't have to spend so much time being jealous of me.

Keep your fake diamonds and your exhausting, desperate little life, Bora. I'm actually adored here. Can you say the same?”

Seen.

YN watched the tiny notification appear. A victorious smile slowly spread across her face.

She waited for a few seconds but there was no reply from bora.

YN tilted her head. "Really?"

She couldn't stop the tiny laugh that escaped her.

Bora...

The woman who always had something to say. The woman who could turn a simple conversation into a three-hour lecture.

The woman who always had the perfect response ready.

Was silent.

YN locked her phone and slipped it into her pocket. She had won without even raising her voice.

Then I heard a voice behind her.

"Why are you smiling like that?"

She turned towards the person, siya stood there, one eyebrow raised.

"Nothing."

Siya narrowed her eyes."That is definitely not a nothing smile."

Yn bit her lip."Just... something funny happened."

Siya walked closer."Did someone send you a funny message?"

Yn shook her head."No."

"Then why do you look like you just won an argument?"

Yn smiled "Maybe I did."

Siya stared at me for a second before bursting into laughter."Unnie, sometimes you are so suspicious, you aren't an undercover spy right?"

Yn laughed too.“Of course not!”

For the first time, the weight on her chest felt lighter.

She didn't care what Bora thought.

She didn't care what Bora wanted her to feel.

And most importantly... She wasn't ashamed of Jungkook.

Not even a little.

She looked toward the field again. He had finally noticed them.

Their eyes met as he smiled at her. And without even realizing it, she smiled back.

Maybe Bora thought she had sent her here to destroy her life.

Maybe she thought she had pushed yn into a miserable marriage.

But standing there, watching her husband laugh beneath the afternoon sun...

Yn had a strange feeling.

Bora might have made the biggest mistake of her life.

★★★

Meanwhile (Busan)—

Bora sat completely still on the velvet couch. Her phone was still in her hand. Her eyes remained fixed on the conversation. She read YN's messages again.

And again.

And again.

​The color drained from her face, leaving her porcelain skin deathly pale.

​By the time her eyes hit ‘cheap little bedroom tricks’ and ‘delicate little pendant,’ Bora’s hand started trembling so hard the ice rattled against her glass.

​The humiliating truth of last night...how she had practically thrown herself at Minseong only to receive a pathetic, thin chain while YN got a heavy diamond set—had been laid bare.

YN wasn't just defending her husband; she was mocking Bora’s entire existence with elegant precision.

​“How… how dare she?!”  The words left her mouth through clenched teeth. She tossed the phone onto the couch.

"She's showing her ego now."

Bora scoffed."That's all this is."

She stood up and began pacing."She thinks one little marriage has suddenly made her brave?"

She stopped.

Looked at the phone and picked it up, opening the conversation again.

No new messages.

She wanted to reply, she wanted to tear YN apart.

She wanted to remind her exactly who she was speaking to.

But every sentence she came up with sounded weak compared to what YN had already said.

Bora's eyes landed on one particular message.

You should try being proud of yourself sometime. Maybe then you wouldn't have to spend so much time being jealous of me.

Her expression twisted. "Jealous?" She laughed bitterly. "Me?"

She shook her head."She has an ego."

That was easier.

Much easier.

YN wasn't confident.....She was arrogant.

YN wasn't standing up for herself....She was becoming disrespectful.

YN wasn't happy.....She was simply showing off.

Bora repeated those thoughts in her head until they almost sounded believable...almost believable.

She picked up her phone again. Her thumb hovered over the keyboard as she typed:

Who do you think you are—

Deleted.

She typed again.....Watch your tone when you're talking to me.

Deleted.

Again.....You'll regret this.

Deleted.

Finally, she locked the phone. "No." Her pride lifted her chin. "I won't reply."

She tossed the phone onto the mattress."I'm not going to argue with a childish girl."

“I’m just not going to dignify her with a response,”

“She’s not worth my time. She’s beneath me.”

​Maids passing by the hallway flinched at the sharpness of her tone. But the silence afterward felt strangely loud. Because Bora knew the real reason she wasn't replying.

She didn't have an answer.

And that realization embarrassed her more than YN's words ever could. She had spent years making YN feel small.

And today, for the first time...

YN had made her feel small.

Bora's fingers curled into fists. "Enjoy your little victory."

Her lips curved into a cold smile. "You'll learn soon enough."

But behind that smile was something she hated admitting. For the first time since YN had left the house...

Bora wasn't completely certain that her plan had worked.

________________

On the dirt path, Y/N watched the screen intently.

​Bora is typing…

Bora stopped typing.

Bora is typing…

Read.

​And then… absolute silence. No reply.

​Y/N let out a soft, victorious breath, a quiet smirk tugging at her lips. She slipped her phone into her pocket, feeling light, untethered, and inexplicably proud.

​“Unnie, look!” Siya waved her arm toward the field. “He’s coming over!”

​Y/N turned. Jungkook had finished clearing the rock and was walking up the sloped dirt path toward them. He had pulled off his heavy work gloves, a dark towel draped over one broad shoulder. Sweat glistened on his neck and forehead, but as he got closer and realized Y/N was standing right there, his quick steps slowed.

​He suddenly looked extremely conscious of the dark mud splattered on his boots and work pants.

​“Siya?” Jungkook stopped a respectful distance away, his dark eyes darting to Y/N nervously before shifting to his sister. “Why did you bring her out here? It’s hot, and the ground is muddy.”

​Siya placed her hands on her hips, a mischievous, mischievous grin spreading across her face.

​“Well,” Siya said bright and loud, “Unnie said she wanted to see what you do for a living! So as a good sister, I brought her here to show her.”

​YN’s eyes snapped wide open. What?! I didn't say it like that!

​Before YN could even open her mouth to defend herself, Siya took three quick steps backward, giggling softly.

​“Anyways!” Siya chirped, taking Bam by his little leash.She shoved the lunch basket—the one she had been carrying the entire walk—straight into YN’s hands. “My job here is done. You two enjoy your time! Bye~!”

Without waiting another second, Siya turned on her heel and literally jogged down the path, her laughter echoing back through the field.

​Y/N stood frozen in absolute disbelief, holding the heavy wooden basket against her stomach. She stared after Siya’s retreating back with pure, unadulterated betrayal burning in her eyes.

​Traitor, Y/N thought, her mouth practically hanging open. She actually left me here alone with him!

​She was still glaring daggers down the empty dirt road, silently cursing her new sister-in-law, when a soft, quiet sound broke the silence.

​“Ahem.”

​Jungkook cleared his throat.

​Y/N flinched, her head snapping back to face him so fast she nearly gave herself whiplash. The bold, fierce girl who had just destroyed Bora via text message vanished in an instant, replaced by a flustered, blushing new bride.

​“I—I…” Y/N stammered, her cheeks burning hot as her fingers tightened around the handle of the basket. “I-I didn’t mean to show up like this… I mean, I didn’t force her to bring me! She just… dragged me here with the lunch!”

​Jungkook looked at her flustered expression, a soft, fond warmth flickering in his dark eyes. He didn't step too close, mindful of the dirt on his clothes, not wanting to smudge her light dress. Instead, he pulled the towel from his shoulder and gently wiped the sweat from his forehead.

​“It’s okay,” he said, his voice deep, calm, and soothing like a warm breeze. A small, gentle smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “You don’t have to apologize. I’m actually really glad you came.”

​He glanced around the sun-drenched field before pointing toward a massive, leafy oak tree at the edge of the paddy. Underneath its wide, sweeping branches sat a sturdy wooden bench that the workers used for rest breaks.

​“It’s too hot out here in the open,” he said softly. “Let's go under the tree.”

​Y/N nodded shyly, following a step behind him as they walked into the cool, dark shade. The temperature dropped instantly, the leaves rustling overhead in a soft breeze.

​Before Y/N could even move to sit down, Jungkook quickly stepped ahead of her.

​“Wait, don’t sit yet,” he murmured.

​Y/N paused, watching him. Jungkook set his towel aside and inspected the old wooden bench. He noticed a bit of dried soil and loose leaves scattered across the wooden slats. Working quickly, he unrolled a clean cotton cloth from his work bag and thoroughly wiped down the entire bench, making sure there wasn't a single speck of dust left that could ruin her dress.

​He even checked the ground around the bench to make sure no twigs or mud would catch on her sandals.

​Only when he was completely satisfied did he step back, gesturing warmly to the freshly cleaned spot.

​“There. You can sit now.”

​Y/N’s chest swelled with a strange, sweet ache. No one in her family had ever taken care of her like this. No one had ever checked the ground she walked on or made sure she was comfortable before taking a seat themselves.

​“Thank you,Mr jeon— I...i mean  Jungkook-ssi,” she whispered softly, smoothing her dress as she sat down.

“Oh finally you called me by my name!” ​Jungkook smiled, looking genuinely pleased, and sat on the far end of the long bench....

Leaving a respectful, comfortable distance between them so she wouldn't feel crowded.“So what did my wife made for me?”

Hearing the word wife from his mouth had her cheeks turning pink....plus she didn't even know what was inside the lunch box and siya just left her without telling her anything about the lunch box god knows when she brought here in the very first place.

Great.

“I—i.... actually...i don't know....i am not the one who made it!”

“Ahh, it's fine ...why are you stuttering yn? Calm down!” Jungkook chuckled looking at her panicked face “You brought it here , that's enough for me !”

God why is he so sweet....yn thought as she tucked her hair behind her ears.

​“Wait...I’ll wash up first, my hands are muddy,” he said softly,before walking a few steps over to a large, blue water storage tank set up at the edge of the shade.

​Y/N sat on the pristine bench, setting the lunch basket beside her. “Take your time,” she murmured, resting her hands in her lap.

​She promised herself she would look at the scenery.

She really did.

The lush green rice paddies stretching into the horizon were lovely. The blue sky was bright and clear.

​So why were her eyes slowly, magnetically betraying her?

​She glanced sideways.

​Jungkook stood near the water tank, twisting the nozzle. A steady stream of clear, cold water splashed into his hands. He leaned forward, grabbing the bar of soap, and began lathering his forearms.

​Yn’s breath hitched slightly.

​Up until now, she had only seen him in pristine wedding attire, neat casual shirts, or cozy loungewear.

But right now? Under the unfiltered glare of the afternoon sun, drenched in honest hard work, he was a completely different story.

​The thin, fitted black tank top clung to his back like a second skin, accentuating the sharp taper from his broad shoulders down to his narrow waist.

As he scrubbed his arms, the thick, corded muscles in his shoulders and forearms flexed with every movement. Veins stood out along his forearms, glistening under the water droplets, and the sheer strength of his frame was almost overwhelming.

​Even with smudges of dark dirt along his jawline and jeans, he didn't look messy. He looked rugged. Powerful.

​Distractingly, ridiculously hot.

​A wave of hot guilt flushed through YN’s chest.

YN, stop it! What is wrong with you?! she screamed at herself internally, her cheeks burning. He is a sweet, gentlemanly man who just cleaned a bench for you, and you are sitting here ogling him like a total weirdo!

​She forced her eyes to look down at her shoes.

​One, two, three seconds.

​And her gaze flicked right back up. She couldn't help it!

​Jungkook cupped his hands under the running water and splashed a generous amount over his face.

He shook his head, dark wet hair clinging to his forehead, droplets spraying into the air like a slow-motion scene straight out of a high-budget movie.

He ran a hand through his damp locks, pushing them back from his face, exposing his sharp jawline and the long line of his throat.

​Water trickled down his neck, tracing the dip of his collarbone before disappearing under the collar of his shirt.

​YN was practically frozen. Her mouth parted slightly, brain completely short-circuiting as she drank in the sight from head to toe.

​How can someone look like a high-fashion model while standing next to a plastic water tank in a muddy rice field?! It’s unfair.

It should be illegal.

​Lost in a complete trance, her thoughts accidentally slipped past her lips in a soft, airy, reverent whisper​“...Beautiful.”

​The word floated across the quiet shade.

​Jungkook’s hands stilled on the towel he had just picked up. He turned around slowly, dabbing the water from his face, eyes locking straight onto hers. A subtle, mischievous glint flashed in his eyes, and a slow, teasing smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

​“Huh?” Jungkook’s deep voice echoed, laced with playful amusement. “What’s so beautiful, Mrs. Jeon?”

​MRS. JEON?!

​The words hit Y/N like a bucket of ice water. Her eyes went as wide as saucers, her soul practically leaving her body.

​DID I SAY THAT OUT LOUD?!

​In a state of absolute, pure panic, YN snapped her head to the far left so hard her neck emitted an audible pop.

​“I—I mean the field!” she squeaked out, her voice jumping two octaves higher than normal.

She thrust her arm out, wildly pointing a trembling finger at a completely random patch of grass in the middle of nowhere. “The field! It’s so beautiful! Look at... look at all that green! So... so green! Very grass!”

​Jungkook blinked, holding the towel against his chest, trying and failing to suppress the deep chuckle rumbling in his chest. “Very grass?”

​“Yes!” YN choked out, staring intensely at a clump of dirt on the ground, refusing to meet his eyes.

Her face was so hot she was convinced her skin was actively smoking. She cupped her burning cheeks with both hands, internally begging the earth to open up and swallow her whole.

Just sink into the mud, Y/N. Never go back home. Live with the cicadas.

​Jungkook walked over slowly, his steps quiet on the grass. The subtle, clean scent of fresh soap and cool water drifted over her as he sat back down at his end of the bench.

​He set his towel aside, looking at her flushed face with absolute fondness.

​“You’re right,” Jungkook murmured as he looked at yn who was trying so hard to admire the view “It really is beautiful out here.”

He looked out at the swaying green paddies, pretending not to notice how red her ears were. “On days like this, when the wind blows through the valley, it’s my favorite place to be.”

​He turned to her with a gentle, patient smile, his eyes warm and kind.​“Thank you for bringing lunch, YN. Shall we open it?”

The soft rustle of the oak leaves overhead dappled the shade around them as YN carefully unlatched the wooden lunch basket. Inside, neatly stacked containers emitted a rich, fragrant steam...warm rice, seasoned vegetables, and small dishes of freshly made side spreads.

​Jungkook reached over, as he helped her lift out the heavier containers, setting them down securely on the sturdy bench between them.

​“Did you eat before coming all the way out here?” Jungkook asked softly, pulling two sets of wrapped chopsticks from the side pocket. His eyes rested on her with quiet, attentive concern.

​YN shook her head, fixing the hem of her skirt. “No… Mom and Siya told me to eat whenever I felt hungry, but… eating alone just didn't sit right with me. I thought it would be nicer if we could all share a meal together.”

​Jungkook paused, his hand halting over the chopsticks. He turned his head to look at her. He knew how thoughtful she was, but he also wanted to make sure she never felt obligated to hold back her own comfort.

​“It’s sweet of you to think of everyone,” he said softly, his voice low and steady.

“And Mom and Dad love having you at the table. But remember, this is your home now, YN. You have complete freedom here. If you’re ever hungry, don't wait on any of us—just eat whenever you feel like it, okay?”

​“I know, it’s just…” ​Before she could finish her sentence, Jungkook picked up a small, neatly rolled piece of omelet with his chopsticks.

Moving with natural, quiet grace, he leaned in slightly and brought it directly toward her lips.“Here you go!”

Her heart gave a sudden, hard thud against her ribs.“Huh?”

​“Open up,” he murmured gently.

​Her eyes flicked from his face to the food, her mind completely scrambling. With her cheeks instantly heating up, she parted her lips, and he delicately placed the bite inside, making sure not to rush her.

​As she chewed, the rich, savory flavor filled her mouth, but all she could focus on was the proximity of his face and the absolute, unbothered calm with which he had just fed her.

​“Okay?” he asked again, his tone patient, waiting for her promise.

​She swallowed quickly, tucking a strand of loose hair behind her glowing red ear to hide her face. “O-okay…” she mumbled, her voice barely a whisper.“You should eat , Jungkook-ssi...i will eat by myself!”

“You better finish it with me!” ​Satisfied, Jungkook smiled....a quiet, genuine expression that softened the sharp lines of his face. He handed her a pair of chopsticks so she could eat properly, finally taking a portion for himself.

​“We grow rice in these main paddies,” he began smoothly, gesturing toward the vast green expanse stretching before them to give her time to gather herself. “The soil here is rich because of the mountain runoff. But this isn’t the only field.”

​YN looked up, genuinely curious despite the lingering warmth in her cheeks. “It isn’t?”

​“No,” he explained, taking a slow bite before continuing. “Further down the ridge, near the lower slope, we have green orchards and sweet potato crops. On rotation, we manage those too. It’s a lot of ground, which is why I’m usually moving between fields throughout the day.”

​He set his chopsticks down for a moment, resting his forearms on his knees as he turned more toward her. The gentle shade threw cool shadows over his features.

​“Usually, I don’t come back home for lunch,” he said, his voice dropping an octave, carrying a thoughtful weight. “I just pack a quick meal and eat wherever I’m working to save time.”

​YN blinked, looking at him. “Oh… then did I disturb your routine today?”

​“No,” Jungkook replied immediately, his response firm yet incredibly gentle. He looked straight into her eyes, his expression earnest. “That’s not what I mean. ”

“What I mean is… I don’t want my wife walking around out here in the hot afternoon sun, carrying heavy baskets across muddy paths.”

​YN’s chest felt tight—not with panic, but with a sudden, overwhelming warmth that spread all the way to her fingertips.

​“Starting tomorrow, I’ll be coming home for lunch,” Jungkook continued, his tone carrying a quiet, protective finality. “So you don't need to walk out here in the heat again.”

​“Jungkook-ssi, you don't have to change your schedule just for—”

​“I want to,”

He interrupted softly, giving her a reassuring look. “And if you ever need to find me out here for any reason, don't just come out looking for me blindly. These fields span pretty wide, and if I’m down at the orchard, you won't find me easily. Just call me first, alright? I’ll come to you.”

​YN stared at him, completely disarmed by the steady, unyielding consideration behind his words.

In her old life, her feelings were always an afterthought.

Here, sitting on a wooden bench under an oak tree in the middle of a rural field, this man was casually restructuring his entire workday just to make sure she stayed cool and comfortable.

She took another bite of rice, her mind replaying his firm, protective words—“Just call me first, alright? I’ll come to you.”

​It sounded so natural. So attentive. So incredibly husbandly.

​She opened her mouth to ask what time he usually took his afternoon break, but halfway through the thought, her brain hit a sudden, abrupt wall.

​Wait.

​Her chopsticks froze an inches above her dish. Her brows knitted together as she slowly processed the logistics of his instruction.

​Call him? How on earth am I supposed to call him?

​She turned her head to look at him. Jungkook was currently taking a hearty bite of kimchi, looking completely content and entirely unbothered, gazing out over the swaying rice paddies like a man who had just solved all of life’s problems.

​“Jungkook-ssi?” Y/N asked softly.

​“Hmm?” He swallowed, turning his eyes toward her with that same calm, attentive gaze. “What is it?”

​YN stared at him, her expression a mix of sheer confusion and rising amusement. “How exactly am I supposed to call you?”

He looked at her as if she had just asked him how to breathe.

​A quiet, low chuckle rumbled from his chest, his lips curling into an easy, handsome smile. “Through the phone, of course.”

​YN’s jaw nearly dropped. She stared at him in utter disbelief, her flustered shyness from earlier instantly evaporating.

​She let out a breathy, dramatic laugh and rolled her eyes so hard she nearly saw the oak leaves above them. “I know through the phone! ”

“I mean, I don't have your number!”

★★★

After a long time.

So how was the chapter?

Yn cooked Bora in this part....

But Bora will not sit silent.