I watched as Taehyung left my room without waiting for a reply, his steps heavy and assured. That man was always leaving me with more questions than answers, like he could just storm in, claim whatever he wanted, and leave me to pick up the pieces of my own confusion. This man was impossible. One moment, he was the ice-cold, calculating mafia king who barely looked at me like I was more than a piece in his grand game. The next, he was possessive, like I was his to control, forbidding other men from even coming near me. This twisted push and pull between his cold indifference and sudden bouts of protectiveness was driving me out of my mind.The audacity of it all! Sometimes he’s cold, barely sparing me a glance, treating me like a mere accessory in his empire. Then, in the blink of an eye, he’s possessive, declaring me as his wife and forbidding any other man from getting too close. It’s infuriating, this game he’s playing, where he holds all the cards, leaving me guessing at every turn.

I stood there, fists clenched, feeling the frustration pulsing beneath my skin.

“What does he even want?” I muttered to myself, pacing across the room. "He says he doesn’t care, says this marriage means nothing, yet he acts like I’m his personal property.” The frustration bubbling up as I paced back and forth in my room. "One second, he’s all ‘I don’t acknowledge this marriage,’ and the next, he’s growling about how I’m his wife.” My voice echoed in the silence, and the contradiction grated on me more than I could handle. My heart felt like it was on a rollercoaster, tugged one way and then another without a break. My voice echoed in the empty room, laced with irritation. Taehyung was a walking contradiction, his actions making my head spin every time I tried to understand him. But one thing was for sure—whatever game he was playing, I wasn’t going to break. If he thought he could play with my emotions like this, then he was in for a rude awakening.

But as the irritation simmered, something new bloomed inside me—a defiant, determined smirk crept onto my lips. Two could play this game. If Taehyung wanted to keep me on my toes, maybe it was time he saw what that really meant. No more holding back. I’ve tried to be cautious with him, keeping my little space hidden, afraid of what he’d think if he saw that vulnerable side of me. But if he’s so dead set on knowing every part of my world, then he’d just have to handle the chaos that came with it. All of it.A smirk crept onto my lips as a new thought crossed my mind. Fine. If he wanted to keep pushing and pulling, I’d let him—but on my terms. No more holding back my little space, no more hiding the pieces of myself to keep the peace. If Taehyung really wanted to pry into my world, if he wanted to know every side of me, then he’d have to face all the consequences. I wouldn’t hide a thing. Whatever he saw, whatever he felt, he’d have to deal with it.

A wave of determination washed over me, replacing the frustration with a strange kind of thrill. Let him think he could control me; let him think he held all the cards. I’d show him who he was dealing with. I’d embrace every part of myself, including the little space I’d kept carefully hidden. If he wanted to see all of me, he’d get the whole picture, whether he was ready or not.
I felt the weight lift as the thought settled in, my heart lightening as if I’d found the perfect answer to all this push and pull. Fine, Taehyung. You want to know me? Then I’d let him and whole world see everything. My little space, my real thoughts—whatever he was brave enough to uncover, I’d let him. And if it shook him, if it made him uncomfortable in front of the world, that was his problem to deal with, not mine.

With a mischievous glint in my eye, I grabbed my robe and headed to the bathroom. The warm water poured over me, soothing my tense muscles and letting me relax in this moment of clarity. I’d always been cautious, hiding parts of myself to keep the peace. But if he kept pushing like this, I’d just start pushing back. After all, why should I be the only one tangled in this web? He’d set the stage, and I’d play the role he thought he wanted, even if it wasn’t what he expected.
With a sly grin,  I closed my eyes, my mind racing with ideas of how I’d turn the tables. I could picture it so clearly—him, caught off guard by a side of me he couldn’t predict, rattled by the very thing he’d pushed me to reveal. I’d no longer be careful or restrained, not when he was the one who had started all this.

After finishing my bath, I wrapped myself in a cozy robe, feeling the warmth settle over me. For the first time in days, I felt a sense of control, like I’d regained some footing on this unstable ground he kept shifting beneath me. I dressed and slipped under the covers, a sly grin still playing on my lips as I imagined his reaction the next time he tried to catch me off guard. Let him see my little space. Let him deal with what he’d find there. I wouldn’t be holding back to make him comfortable anymore. From this point forward, I’d be his problem. I’d unravel him the way he’d tried to unravel me, and I was going to enjoy every second of it.

As I drifted off, the thrill of my plan ran through me, my heart pounding with anticipation. The tables were turning, and I was more than ready to see how he’d handle it. “Good luck, Mr. King,” I whispered to myself , my mind spinning with mischievous thoughts. “You’re going to need it.”

------★--------★--------★--------★--------★-----

In the quiet of the next morning, Miso strolled down the lavish hallway toward the dining room, her steps echoing softly against the polished marble floors. Sunlight poured through the tall windows, casting a warm glow that contrasted sharply with the icy tension she knew awaited her in the room. Last night had been… an interesting mix of defiance and confrontation with Taehyung, and she could still feel the fire of it simmering in her veins.

As she reached the doorway, she hesitated, smoothing the front of her dress with a quick, nervous motion. If Taehyung thought he could keep her in line with his cold demeanor and careless dismissal, he was sorely mistaken. Today, she had her own game plan, and she was determined to get a reaction out of him, even if it meant playing a role he wouldn’t expect.

Taking a deep breath, Miso stepped into the dining room, her eyes immediately finding Taehyung seated at the head of the table, as always, with his phone in one hand, scrolling as if he owned the world. He was dressed impeccably, as usual, in a sharp, dark suit that accentuated his power and command. His hair fell slightly over his eyes, softening his fierce expression just a little, but his guarded posture was as clear as ever.

As she approached the table, Taehyung looked up, his gaze flicking over her briefly before returning to his phone. She knew he was trying to ignore her, likely still irritated after last night. Perfect, she thought, feeling a mischievous thrill spark within her.

Taking a seat, she reached for a glass of water, but as she lifted it, she deliberately nudged it, letting a few drops spill and land near his hand. Taehyung looked up, one eyebrow raising slightly in curiosity, then look back down.

Miso paused, a small smirk dancing on her lips. Fine, if he wanted to play the cold, indifferent husband, she’d play her own game. She let herself relax, adopting a more innocent posture as she moved closer to the table, her expression softening as she prepared her act. With a practiced motion, she ‘accidentally’ bumped her glass, sending a few droplets of water splashing across the table toward Taehyung.

He finally looked up, his brow arching slightly as his eyes narrowed in on her. “Are you always this clumsy?” he asked, a hint of irritation coloring his otherwise cool tone.

“Oh… oops,” Miso said, letting her voice come out soft, with a little pout that she knew would get under his skin. “I didn’t mean to spill. Are you mad at me?” She blinked up at him, letting her eyes widen, feigning a look of innocent confusion.

Taehyung studied her closely, his gaze piercing as he picked up on the change in her demeanor. He tilted his head, an amused smirk forming as he caught on. “Oh?” he murmured, his voice dropping to a low, almost teasing tone. “Since when did you start caring if I was mad?”

Miso’s heart skipped a beat at the unexpected response. She hadn’t anticipated that he’d play along so easily. But instead of faltering, she squared her shoulders and leaned a little closer, her lips curling into a slight smirk.

“Maybe, I just want to know ” she whispered, her voice a playful challenge. She paused, watching him closely, gauging his reaction. Usually, he’d brush her off with a scowl, but today, his gaze held a touch of interest—a spark that only encouraged her to push further.

With a quick, mischievous decision, Miso softened her expression, widening her eyes and relaxing her posture. She let her lips part slightly as if she were about to say something, then hesitated.

Miso bit her lip, then let herself slip a little further into the act. She leaned in close, her fingers reaching out to lightly tug at his sleeve. “Daddy… are you upset with me?” Her voice was soft and tentative, the single word whispered as though it had slipped out by accident , letting the word slip out as if she’d unintentionally let down her guard

Taehyung’s expression shifted immediately, his gaze narrowing as he looked at her, clearly caught off guard. “What… did you just call me?” he murmured, his voice low but distinctly curious.

Miso tilted her head to the side, blinking up at him with innocent, wide eyes. “Daddy, are you really upset with me?” she asked, her tone laced with sweetness, letting her lower lip jut out in a tiny pout. She wrapped her arms around his arm, nestling against him as if seeking comfort, as if she truly were slipping into the safe, childlike world of her little space.

Taehyung froze, his posture stiffening as he looked around the room, visibly unsure how to respond. She sensed his hesitance and leaned into him further, resting her head on his shoulder. “I missed you, Daddy,” she whispered, letting her fingers trace delicate, tiny circles on his sleeve. “Are we going to play today? You never play with me. I’ve been a good girl, haven’t I?”

Her heart raced, wondering if he’d see through her act, but his reaction only fueled her confidence. His hand, which had initially hung awkwardly by his side, finally lifted to rest on her waist, holding her closer as his gaze softened, uncertainty giving way to something gentler. The usual sharpness in his eyes dimmed, replaced by an unfamiliar warmth that left her oddly breathless.

“Miso…” he murmured, clearing his throat as if unsure of what to say. “Did… did you slip into your little space?”

She nodded, her fingers clutching his sleeve with a bit more urgency. “Yes, Daddy,” she replied in a small, tender voice, looking up at him with all the innocence she could muster. “I feel so bad right now. Will you play with me?”

He froze, and for a moment, she thought she might have pushed too far. But then his eyes lit with a knowing glint, one that promised he’d caught on to her game and was more than willing to play along.

“Daddy, huh?” he drawled, shifting slightly as he let his gaze wander over her face, clearly intrigued. “Did you hit your head, Miso? Or is this just your way of finally admitting you can’t resist me?”

Her heart skipped at the heat in his tone, but she managed to maintain her innocent act. “But… I’m just being a good girl,” she murmured, her lower lip jutting out in a small pout. She tightened her grip on his sleeve, leaning even closer as she gave him a wide-eyed, pleading look. “I just wanted to be close to you. Don’t you like that?”

A low chuckle escaped Taehyung as he leaned back in his chair, folding his arms over his chest. “Close, huh? You’re sure that’s all you want?” He tilted his head, his eyes flickering with mischief. “Or are you trying to get something more from me?”

She blinked, widening her eyes as if she didn’t understand. “More?” she whispered, tilting her head as she let her fingers play with his sleeve, tracing slow, innocent patterns. “What else would I want, Daddy?”

Taehyung’s gaze darkened, his smirk growing as he watched her carefully. “Don’t act so innocent, Miso. I know exactly what you’re trying to do.” His hand reached out, capturing hers as his thumb lightly stroked over her knuckles. “Trying to get my attention with your little act, hm? Thought you’d get me flustered, did you?”

“Me? Fluster you?” Miso’s eyes sparkled as she let out a small, airy laugh, still holding on to the innocent facade. “I wouldn’t dream of it, Daddy. I’m just… being sweet. Want to be with you”

“Miso,” he warned, his voice a low growl, “You know you don’t have to pretend to be sweet to get my attention.”

“So,” he murmured, his voice taking on a low, teasing tone, “you think you can fool me, don’t you?” He brushed his thumb lightly against her cheek, his gaze steady, almost daring. “Did you really think I wouldn’t catch on, Miso?”

Miso’s eyes widened, her heart thudding as she tried to maintain her innocent act. “Daddy, I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she whispered, fluttering her eyelashes as she tilted her head. “I’m just… I just wanted to be close to you.”

Taehyung’s smirk deepened, his fingers tracing small circles on her waist. “If you wanted my attention, all you had to do was ask, Miso. You don’t need to pretend to slip into your little space for that.”

Heat crept up her cheeks, but she refused to let him win so easily. She held his gaze, her voice as soft and sweet as she could manage. “But… but I like being little around you,” she replied, brushing a finger along his collar. “Will you hold me, Daddy?”

“Miso,” he warned, his voice a low growl, “You know you don’t have to pretend to be sweet to get my attention.”

She blinked, her mouth twitching in the effort not to break character. “Oh, but I like being sweet around you,” she replied, letting her voice drop to a whisper. “Can’t I just sit with you? You feel… safe.”

“Safe?” His eyebrows lifted, his expression laced with amusement. “That’s funny, considering I’m anything but safe.” He leaned forward, their faces mere inches apart now, his tone dropping to a dangerous whisper. “I’m the last person you should be acting all cute around, Mrs. Kim.”

Her cheeks flushed, but she refused to back down. Instead, she batted her eyelashes again, her voice dropping to a low, saccharine tone. “Daddy,” she murmured, her fingers trailing up his arm, “Are we not going to play together later? I promise I’ll be good…”

Taehyung leaned down, his mouth close to her ear. “Such a clever little actress,” he murmured, his breath warm against her skin. “But if you’re going to pretend, then you’d better be prepared for me to play along.”

Miso narrowed her eyes, letting her innocent act slip completely, and gave him a smug smile. “Well, someone seems awfully affected by my acting, don’t they?”

Taehyung smirked, his hand tightening on hers as he pulled her even closer, his gaze locked on hers with a new intensity. “Oh, affected? Hardly,” he murmured, his voice smooth as silk. “If anything, it’s entertaining watching you squirm. But keep going, Mrs. Kim. I’m curious just how far you’ll take this little game.”

Miso batted her eyelashes again, her voice dropping to a low, saccharine tone. “I don't think you can handl——Daddy,”

He chuckled, shaking his head slightly as he leaned in until his face was just inches from hers, his voice soft but full of challenge. “If you keep calling me that, Miso, you’d better be prepared for the consequences,” he warned, his eyes gleaming with amusement. “Or did you think I’d just sit back and let you have your way?”

“Oh, I think I can handle the consequences,” she shot back, her tone shifting from innocent to boldly flirtatious, her eyes locking with his. “Can you?”

A flicker of surprise crossed his face, but it quickly melted into a smirk. “Careful,” he murmured, his fingers tracing her jawline as he leaned even closer, his lips brushing just near her ear. “I’m not as easily swayed as you think, Miso. I don’t fall for games.”

Before she could respond, his hand slid down to her lower back, pulling her close enough that she felt the warmth of his chest against hers. Her breath caught, the intensity of his gaze locking her in place. There was a heat in his eyes now—a hint of amusement mixed with something darker, something that sent a thrill through her spine.

Behind them,  Yang and Yin standing by the door, visibly trying not to stare. Yang leaned over and whispered to Yin, “Till yesterday, they were at each other’s throats. So…What the hell happened overnight?”

Yin smirked, shaking his head in disbelief. “Seems like the boss has his own way of ‘handling’ things, now.” he replied, watching the scene unfold.

Yang shrugged, his eyes wide with amusement. “Whatever it was, the boss is definitely in a… better mood.”

Soyeon, standing beside them, tried to stifle a gasp. None of them had ever seen Taehyung like this, allowing anyone to sit on his lap, let alone with such softness in his expression.

Suddenly, Taehyung’s head snapped toward them, his gaze sharp. “Can I help you? Do you two have nothing better to do?” he asked, his tone icy despite the warmth he’d just shown to Miso.

Yang and Yin quickly straightened, exchanging a quick look before nodding in sync. “Uh, no, Boss I mean yes Boss, We’ll, um… give you both some privacy,” Yang mumbled, ushering Yin and Soyeon out of the room as quickly as possible.

As soon as they were alone again, Miso pulled back slightly, a smug smile lighting her face as she folded her arms. “You know, they’re not wrong,” she teased, lifting her chin in a challenging way. “You’re acting very differently today.”

He leaned back, casually crossing his arms as he met her gaze. “Oh? And what exactly am I doing differently, Mrs. Kim?”

She shrugged, letting her eyes linger on him in a way she knew would rile him up. “You’re looking at me as if I’ve suddenly become interesting to you. Didn’t you say everyday that I was ‘just a nuisance’?”

His smirk deepened, his gaze never leaving hers. “Well, even nuisances can be amusing,” he replied smoothly, his voice low. “Especially when they think they’re smarter than they actually are.”

Miso arched a brow, leaning closer to him again. “Maybe I am smarter than you think,” she whispered, her eyes gleaming with defiance. “Maybe I’m the one playing you.”

Taehyung chuckled softly, the sound sending a shiver down her spine. “Oh, Miso, if you think you can play me,” he murmured, his gaze dark and challenging, “you’ve got a lot to learn.”

“Guess I’ll have to start studying, then,” she shot back, her voice laced with sass as she reached up, patting his cheek with a mocking sweetness.

Taehyung caught her wrist before she could pull away, his gaze intensifying as he held her hand firmly. “Careful, Mrs. Kim,” he murmured, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “Playing games with me might be more dangerous than you think.”

Miso felt her composure waver. She started to pull back, but Taehyung’s hand remained firm on her waist.

“What’s wrong, Miso?” he asked, his voice softer, a teasing glint in his eyes. “Going somewhere?”

Her heart raced as she looked up, trying to hold onto her boldness. “You’re too close,” she muttered, though her cheeks remained flushed. “I don't want you to be that close with me.”

Taehyung chuckled, clearly enjoying her discomfort. “Oh, I know exactly how close you want ke to be, Mrs. Kim.” His smirk grew as he leaned even closer, his voice a low, heated whisper. “But remember, two can play this game.”

He released her waist, allowing her to stand, but his gaze lingered on her, a silent promise that he wasn’t finished with her yet.

She met his stare boldly, a daring smile on her lips as she tugged her wrist free. “Well, lucky for me, I’ve never been afraid of a challenge.” With that, she turned and sauntered away, Miso took a shaky breath, straightening her posture as she backed toward the door, her heart still hammering from the exchange. She hadn’t planned for him to turn the tables so smoothly, and the lingering warmth in his gaze left her flustered, her mind racing, her heart pounding from the thrill of their exchange, but she kept her posture relaxed and her smile smug.

As she stepped into the hallway, she could faintly hear Taehyung’s low chuckle echoing behind her, and she knew this was only the beginning of a dangerous, thrilling game between them. It was clear now: she’d awakened something in him, something both thrilling and dangerous. And while she’d intended to tease him, it seemed she was the one who’d been caught in his game.

************************************

Author’s Note

Hey, amazing readers!

Wow, what a chapter, right? Miso really went all out with her innocent little act, thinking she could pull one over on Mr. Cold and Calculated—but surprise! Taehyung didn’t just catch on; he turned it right back on her! Honestly, I had so much fun writing their back-and-forth here. They’re like two kids on a playground, but instead of pushing swings, they’re pushing each other’s buttons!

Also, can we talk about Taehyung’s flirty side? Who knew our mafia king could throw out lines like that? And Miso’s sass? Chef's kiss. She’s not backing down anytime soon, and I am HERE for it.

So, what do you think? Is Taehyung starting to enjoy this "game" a little too much? Are Miso’s plans backfiring spectacularly? And what’s up with poor Yin and Yang—they’re just trying to survive the drama!

Let me know in the comments who you think won this round: Team Flirty Taehyung or Team Sassy Miso? Drop your theories, predictions, and any laughs you had while reading because I’m dying to know!

Thank you so much for reading! Can’t wait to hear your thoughts, and stay tuned, because this is only getting wilder!

Catch you in the next chapter,
StarlitWings