"What is Eunji doing here?" Hoseok hissed under his breath as he gripped his mother's elbow. He clenched his jaw to reign in his anger that shot up the moment he saw Eunji sitting at their dining table with his family. He'd pulled his mother aside to talk.

"You know exactly why," she hissed back. "You're twenty-eight-years-old. I was married and you were five-years-old when I was twenty-eight."

Hoseok furiously rubbed over his wedding ring on his left index finger. "We already talked about this."

Her mother's gaze flicked to his ring. "And I'm done talking." She pulled away from his grip and smoothed a hand over her peach coat dress. "We aren't getting any young, Hoseok. You're one of the most eligible bachelors in Korea. You know how our investors are. They will be more at ease with someone who is settled with a family."

Hoseok scoffed. "I cannot marry to please our investors. I'm more than happy to answer their questions if they have trouble with the way I handle things at work. No one has raised any complaints."

His mother sighed. "It's not just about that. We—"

"I know exactly what this is about," he said. "For the umpteenth time, mom, I don't like Eunji. I will never tie myself to someone like her."

"What should I tell your father then? The Ahn family is highly reputable. Both our families could benefit so much from this. They're looking forward to this arrangement so much."

Why wasn't he surprised? Oh, it could be because marriages were just another business deal to his family. He had seen this coming. Jungkook and Jin hyung kept warning him. But he kept pushing it back because he honestly, didn't want to think about that.

Hoseok cocked his brow. "So you've already decided? Is that what you're trying to tell me?"

His mother gave him a non-committal shrug. "It was never a secret. You knew this was coming. We decided this at your 21st birthday party after all. We gave you seven years to come to terms with this. It's time we take that decision. You have one month before our families announce this to the press."

"I never agreed to this little arrangement of yours," he hissed through his clenched teeth. His mother flinched and Hoseok knew he'd look like a menace, but he could hardly control his temper anymore. "I've always been clear on this. I'll never settle down with someone I do not love."

His mother just rolled her eyes. "No one asked you to settle in a loveless marriage. You can love Eunji. Look at me and your dad, your uncles, and your aunts. All our marriages were arranged by our fathers. Aren't we happily married?"

Hoseok scoffed. "Is that all? Am I just another business deal?"

She put a hand on his forearm, rubbing it gently. "Don't be overdramatic, dear. You've known Eunji almost all your life. Besides, you know how your father is. He has already decided."

Tension coiled around his body and he clenched his jaw. She pivoted on his heel without waiting for his reply. "Then tell your dear husband that his son already has someone."

She halted abruptly. "What? What did you say?" She turned slowly, fixing him with a glare, her brows furrowed.

Hoseok smirked. "I said, I have someone. There will be no wedding."

Her eyes narrowed at his ring, then she scoffed. "Who? Which family is she from?"

He was tempted to tell her he was married, but that has to wait. "Oh, trust me, mom. You'll know when you meet her."

"Doesn't change a thing. Your marriage with Eunji was finalized years ago. But we wanted to give you a chance to get to know her and take that step. She told me how you've been treating her lately and it's highly unacceptable. I don't care who this woman is. You better break it off before your father finds out."

Maybe... Hoseok simply cocked his brow. "You wish," was all he said before pivoting on his heel and marching away.

Over his dead body, he wanted to scream but he suppressed his anger. He respected his parents, he really did. But some things were hard limits and they were pushing him too much. He won't let anyone dictate what he did with his life.

"Oppa, wait!"

His features tightened further at the sound of Eunji calling after him.

"Can you drop me at that shopping center on your way?"

"I'm not your driver," he spat, fishing for his keys.

"I-I...You don't have to be so rude."

"How many times do I have to tell you that I'm not interested?" He spun on his heel, causing her to halt abruptly. "I don't give a fuck about our parent's arrangement."

"But why? You used to be so nice to me. Why don't you want me anymore?" Her face fell.

Hoseok frowned. "Our parents are friends and I treated you like I'd treat anyone. I never gave you any special treatment. If you remember correctly, I stopped being nice to you because you kept pushing me even after I made it clear I'm not interested in you."

"I'm your fiancée. You should be spending more time with me. Is it too much to ask?"

"What? When did I ever propose to you?"

"You didn't have to. I heard my parents talking. If everything goes well, we'll be married by the beginning of next year."

"Like hell, we will!"

Eunji flinched at his outburst. "Oppa..."

"Stop that," he warned. "I already have someone. I never wanted any of this and I'll never want you. Get your own fucking ride."

I need a coffee.

He jumped into his car, locking the doors before she did something stupid as climbing into the car like she sometimes does, and texted Jungkook to meet him in the office before driving toward the new café that opened two weeks ago. It was on his way to the office. Usually, he wouldn't waste time on coffee runs and have his assistant pick a coffee for him. But today, he didn't think he could go that long without some caffeine in his system.

He had to take some time to cool down before he headed to the office and he had to contact Jeoni. Determination tightened his features. As much as his current situation put him in a tight position, he knew if there was one person who could put his family in their place it was Jeoni. And she is here. He had followed Jin's advice to look her up and soon found she was right here in the same city.

There were a lot of photos on the internet showing her exiting the airport with her hand hooked around another male. Kim Taehyung. Hoseok recognized the male from the billboard signs. He was a famous and upcoming designer of Vante. Following them were two other women and another man, Park Jimin.

He'd had to take a few deep breaths to curb the green monster that poked at him before delving into more research. One thing led to the other and soon he had the entire history of Vinora in the palm of his hands. His wife, Katy Min as the others knew her was quite famous in the US. She wasn't just a photographer but was also a successful businesswoman he'd learned. He also learned there were five of them, coined as the quintuples of Vinora. He'd spend an entire night pouring over hundreds of articles and scandalous photos revolving around his wife.

But then, it was a given when one was in this field. Then he'd found her Instagram and Twitter. It felt like he had so much to catch up and he did. When he was through, he could see almost see her entire life through the pictures.

As he browsed through the photos, a whipped part of his brain recognized the ring she sported on her left ring finger. It was there for the entire world to see, proud and shining. Warmth spread in his chest. If Jin hyung or Jungkook had seen his stupid grin, they'd have had a field trip teasing him.

His phone rang disrupting his thoughts. His father's name flashed on his screen. Hoseok sighed. He was definitely in no mood to deal with this right now. He needed his damn coffee.

***

"What's this?" Aera asked eyed the papers Namjoon left at her desk before making his way to his side of the desk.

"The HR department sent me this," he replied, shrugging off his suit jacket and draping it behind his chair. "Apparently Jeoni instructed them to find a reliable person to handle both of our workloads. In short, she is hiring a new CEO."

"What?!"

Namjoon grimaced. "She has already spoken to Yoongi hyung and has set everything in motion. These are the people we are going to meet today."

Aera blinked. "But I just took over."

He looked at her for a long time before he sighed. "And you're overworked. Listen, I think I know why she's doing this. You already have Vinora and you're struggling alone."

"That's why you're here."

Namjoon smiled softly. "But this isn't what you wanted, is it? You're doing it because you think this is the right thing to do. Vinora is your child. It's something you're passionate about. I'm not saying you can't handle both, but the thing is you don't have to."

Aera sighed. It was true. Min business ventures were her responsibility but not her passion. She didn't like dealing with finances and stuff day in and day out. She wanted to be with her gang, out there, working on something they created together.

"I spoke to Yoongi hyung and I agree. We have a lot going on and this will indeed take a lot of pressure off our shoulders. Some of the candidates here are really good with a promising track record."

"It doesn't change much." She sighed. There were a lot to do and this mess with the construction sector was stressing her out. The talks with the Jeon group were moving at a snail's pace and she wished they could hurry it up.

"It actually does and I think this arrangement is for the best." Namjoon scooted closer with his chair and put a hand on hers. "Hey, I know you haven't forgiven me yet fully. I know we have a lot of things to work through, but I agree with her decision because I know you're stressed and it has come to the point that you're taking it out on the others."

"I—"

"I understand your decision to put her on a sex ban, but kicking them out of your room for a week is a bit too extreme, don't you think? You're pissed that they're having all fun while you're cooped in this office, doing something you don't enjoy. Do you think they don't know this?"

Aera's shoulders sagged.

"One of the reasons Jeoni brought me here is to be close to you. But the real reason is to work out on delegating the responsibilities to reduce our workload. I know this was coming, she told me once. She wants to do this in all our locations so Yoongi hyung can come home whenever he wants to. I can come home whenever I want to."

She blinked. It was something they discussed during one of their movie nights two years ago. But a lot had happened after that and they never talked about it again. In fact, it was Aera who suggested the idea in the first place and they ended up discussing how this would change things for the Min group. But then they weren't actively involved in the operations of the Min group until recently to make any decisions then.

Both their phones pinged with a text.

Jeoni added you to the "Get your shit together" group.

Jeoni:

Hey, lovebirds, I'm glad finally you broke the bed last night.

Now onto a more serious topic...

Sex doesn't solve anything though it helps to mend your relationship.

I know you both are skirting around each other and haven't talked about things that have to be addressed.

Joonie was being an asshole and Aera, you didn't make it easy on him either.

Anyway, I was talking to Papa John the other day and he was able to pull up a list of a few marriage counselors.

I've shortlisted one with Minnie's help. This one comes with best reviews and she's over fifty-years-old, happily married for over twenty-five-years if I may add. She works with a lot of celebrities and well-known people, so confidentiality is guaranteed. But you have nothing to worry about since Minnie already made her sign NDA and confidentiality agreement.

Below is the schedule for your first appointment:

15th October, 10:00 AM.

Lee Yun-shin,

Marriage counsellor,

Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul.

+82 xx-xxxx-xxxx

Oh, one more thing.

Don't defile the office, please. I like sleeping on office couches.

Jeoni has left the chat.

Both looked at each other, Aera's face pinched as her nostrils flared. Namjoon gaped at her, eyes wide.

That fucking devil!

Aera:

WHAT THE HELL JUST HAPPENED

WHO SAID I NEED A COUNSELLOR

ONLY JOONIE NEEDS COUNSELING TO SOLVE HIS PROBLEMS

He started everything

So send him alone

Jeoni:

Not happening

Aera:

I don't need a therapist

Jeoni:

She's a marriage counselor

Aera:

I don't care

Whoever she is send only Joonie

Jeoni:

Marriage counseling helps couples of all types recognize and resolve conflicts and improve their relationships. Through marriage counseling, you can make thoughtful decisions about rebuilding and strengthening your relationship or going your separate ways.

Aera:

What the fuck is that?

Jeoni:

I found that on Google.

Now stop being a brat.

This is exactly why you need to go.

Aera:

Jeoni!!!

I swear to God–

Jeoni:

AERA!

I'm not asking.

Aera stared at the text for a long minute. Jeoni rarely used her name. Ugh! She hated this. Why does she have to do everything? Why can't they leave her alone?

Jeoni:

Jungkookie loves chocolate.

Oh, and he loves snacks.

An involuntary smile tugged at Aera's lips. She knew what Jeoni was doing.

Jeoni:

Did I tell you he has a sweet tooth?

Aera:

Fine.

Jeoni:

Good.

That wasn't so hard, was it?

Aera:

You know you're being unfair.

Jeoni:

How about some street photography after the show?

Aera:

Fine!

What do I have to do?

Jeoni:

Just go to this session.

You know eomma and appa are worried about you.

Aera:

They're worried about you too.

Jeoni:

I'm not the one with a mother-in-law who literally hates your guts.

You know you have to meet her soon.

I want you and Joonie Oppa to be on your best terms.

Rub it on her face, babe.

She has to get it through her thick head that her son isn't going anywhere.

And that he belongs with you.

Aera:

Ah, fuck!

I hate that woman.

She never liked me for some reason.

What is even her problem?

Our family is better than them in every way.

Jeoni:

You're not the humble puppet she wants you to be.

Sadly, you're someone who uses her brain.

LMAO.

I still remember her face when you said you're running a business.

What did she expect? That we're like those gossip mills, who has no other job other than accompany their husbands to parties and look pretty for them.

She can suck my toe, honestly.

Don't tell Joonie I said that.

Aera:

I'd love to see that 😂

He's not a big fan of his mother you know that.

Jeoni:

See that's why you need to get your shit together. Whatever is going on between you both has to stay between the four walls of your bedroom.

Don't let her ruin this for you, Aera.

I mean it.

Show her Joonie is and will always be wrapped around your little pinkie and nothing she does or says changes that.

Aera:

He's my husband. She stands no chance.

Jeoni:

That doesn't mean she can't be mean. She never ever treated you with respect and she's always looking for ways to prove that she's way above you, which she's not.

Oh, word has that she's gonna be there with her husband number three. Bet Joonie Oppa isn't thrilled. As much as I love him, his family is really crappy.

Aera:

He doesn't talk to them much. He left them after graduation.

Jeoni:

But he still wants to be a good son. I don't blame him or want to comment on that. However, I won't stand by the sidelines when his family disrespects you just because you're not what they expected.

Aera sighed. Her relationship with her in-laws had always been rocky. Namjoon's parents were divorced, but still was a huge part of his life. His mother despised her guts. She made that clear on so many occasions.

His mother, in short, was a two-faced woman. Aera often let the blatant disrespect slide for Namjoon's sake. But recently, she'd heard that she was trying to hook Joonie with a fellow business magnet's daughter that didn't sit well with her. That evil woman knew they were together since high school.

The problem, however, was the woman never once slipped in front of her son. She had always been sweet when Namjoon was around, always supporting his life's choices, but when he was no present, it was a different story. Aera knew she should have spoken to Namjoon sooner, but she didn't like telling on other people, especially on his mother when she knew he respected her so much. She wished she could tell him why she didn't like visiting his family. Their family dinners, on rare occasions, had always been a disaster.

When Joonie had drunkenly admitted that he wanted to marry her so no one could come in between them, she'd readily agreed. But then, her beloved husband had to ruin the fantasy for her by claiming they shouldn't have gotten married because of some stupid belief he had.

"You don't understand. Marriage is a fucking bad omen in my family. No one has lasted longer than three years!" He'd told her once.

Aera sighed pushing the thoughts away. She didn't know what she would do if she didn't have the others. Jeoni knew how to push her buttons and nudge her in the right direction. She could be stubborn at times, but that didn't mean she didn't care. She was stubborn because she cared. She cared a lot. When she loved, she loved with her entire being and was ready to walk through flames if needed. Was it wrong to expect the same level of commitment from her counterpart? She knew Joonie loved her and respected her, but she wished he was better at showing her rather than pushing her away like he always did.

"I need a break," she said to her husband who was immersed at work, typing away on his computer.

"Sure," he answered without taking his eyes off the monitor and she walked out.

She needed fresh air.

***

He reached the café and parked his car in the designated spot. His anger still simmered and he took deep breaths to calm down. When he finally looked up, his entire world stopped.

The door to the café opened and she stepped out with a petulant pout, grumbling something under her breath.

Jeoni.

Jeoni was like a breath of fresh air on an autumn morning. She wore an orange over-sized sweater, capri pants with washed denim sneakers, and typing away on her phone. She was here. Hoseok's grip tightened around the wheel, but he found himself smiling at the sight of her.

Jimin stepped out after her, a hand wrapping around her shoulders and laughing out loud. Her pout only increased as he pushed her to the side of the sidewalk. Hoseok was frozen to the seat, watching them as his heart raced. She was so beautiful, her big eyes wide and cheeks puffed. Fucking adorable.

A photographer he didn't notice earlier clicked a few shots. Jeoni's eyes narrowing at them and her grip tightening around the coffee cup she was holding. Hoseok lowered his window, so he could catch their conversation.

"Stop texting and look here," Jimin said.

"Come on, Katy. Smile for us," the photographer coaxed.

"No."

Her sound sent a shiver down his spine. Fuck. How long had it been since he last heard her voice? It still had the same effect on him. She pocketed her phone and notched her chin in defiance.

"Do you want me to call TaeTae?" Jimin pulled his phone out.

Somehow, that seemed to work because Jeoni huffed and gave them a tight-lipped smile allowing them to click a few more shots. She pulled a face every time the American photographer asked her change a position, softly directing her.

"All done," he announced as he checked the photos in his camera.

"Fucking finally." With a roll of her eyes, she sucked on the straw only to grimace and spat the coffee.

"That's my coffee, sweetheart." Jimin laughed with a shake of his head. "Your vanilla latte is here."

"I'll never understand how you can even drink this shit."

"Hey, no food shaming allowed here."

Hoseok turned his head mirroring the others to see another woman stepping out of the café with a few paper bags and coffee.

"It's just coffee shaming and I'm just stating the fact."

Hoseok's eyes flicked to Jeoni and an endearing smile stretched his lips.

"Whatever, we don't have all the time in the world. The shoot starts at nine-thirty. Save your banter until after work," the new woman, Hoseok recognized as Porshiya chastised and turned to the photographer. "Now do you have all the shots we need?"

"Yeah. We're good."

"I fucking hate orange!" Jeoni griped. "That bitch purposefully did this. And I fucking hate photoshoots."

Hoseok chuckled. Though the words were spat out in anger, there was no heat. It was a low-pitched whine and her facial expression was comical. Warmth rushed to his chest. Jeoni loved to be the one behind the camera, she hated it when all the attention was on her. He learned as much during their short time in Vegas.

"This is your punishment, remember?" Jimin chided. "Of course, he knew what he's doing."

Punishment?

She huffed again. "You wait until I get him fair and square for tricking me into this arrangement. You mark it in your diary, Park Jimin, I'm gonna make your soulmate regret his very existence."

"You won't." Jimin shrugged with the same smile as if her threats meant nothing. "You accepted your punishment and you can't get him back for something like this. That's like violating the devil's rules."

"I am the fucking devil." She stomped her feet, fists clenching and spilling some of the coffee. She cursed under her breath.

"Touché. You can't break the rules." Jimin walked to her, taking the cup from her hand and handing it to the photographer as he cleaned her finger.

She grunted, "Watch me." She pulled her hand from him and spun on her heel stomping away.

Jimin followed her with laughter, the American photographer trailing after them. Hoseok watched as they climbed into a black BMW and drove into the traffic.

Hoseok smiled fondly as he exited the car, going into the same café to get his coffee. A few minutes later, he walked out with his coffee, a vanilla latte instead of the espresso he wanted earlier. His mind was calm, no longer raging. His phone rang and he saw Jungkook's name flash on his screen.

With a smile, he climbed into his car, accepting the call as he drove away.

Another concert :( Why am I broke?

https://youtu.be/yKP9fr5EhwI