Jin ah pov:

As soon as I stepped inside my home, a sense of relief washed over me. I didn't want to face anyone, didn't want to answer any questions. I needed the solitude of my room. I moved quickly, not wanting to encounter my family or.

When I finally reached my room, I closed the door behind me and leaned against it, taking a deep breath. Glancing at the clock, I saw that it was 8 AM. I needed to be at the office by 10, which gave me just enough time to take a shower and gather my thoughts.

Despite the pain coursing through my body, I made my way to the bathroom. As I undressed, I caught sight of myself in the mirror and froze. Hickeys covered my skin, vivid reminders of Taehyung's possessiveness. The memories of how he marked me flooded back, bringing a fresh wave of tears to my eyes.

"Do I really belong to him?" I whispered to my reflection, my voice trembling. "Why is my life taking this turn? Why the hell am I poor? Why is he controlling my life?"

Questions swirled in my mind, each one more painful than the last. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I stood there, feeling utterly defeated. But somewhere deep inside, a spark of defiance flared.

"No," I said, my voice stronger this time. "I can't lose. I won't let him win. Jin Ah, you are better than this. You can avoid him. Avoid him as much as you can. Say hurtful words. Hurt him back."

I tried to muster up more courage, but the enormity of my situation weighed heavily on me. In the end, I crumpled to the floor, sobbing uncontrollably. The pain, both physical and emotional, was overwhelming.

Yet, even in my despair, I clung to the hope that I could find a way out. I had to be strong. I had to find a way to regain control of my life, no matter how difficult the path ahead seemed.

As I stepped out of the shower, I took a moment to compose myself. The warm water had soothed my aching muscles slightly, but the emotional pain lingered. I dried off and carefully applied foundation to cover the hickeys that marred my skin, trying to hide any evidence of the previous night's events.

I chose a formal outfit, hoping that dressing professionally would help me regain some sense of normalcy and control. My eyes were puffy and red from crying, but there was little I could do to mask the exhaustion and turmoil within them. I did my best with makeup, hoping it would be enough to keep questions at bay.

With a final glance in the mirror, I took a deep breath and steeled myself for the day ahead. I made my way to the dining table, each step a reminder to stay strong and keep moving forward. As I approached, I could hear the faint clatter of dishes and the low hum of conversation from my family.

I walked in and tried to act as normally as possible, hoping no one would notice the strain in my voice or the slight tremble in my hands.

"Good morning," I greeted, forcing a smile as I took my seat.

"Morning, Jin Ah," my mother replied, looking up from her plate. "You look tired. Everything okay?"

I nodded quickly, not wanting to delve into any explanations. "Just a rough night. I didn't sleep well."

She wasn't convinced. "Why were you out so late? And why didn't you answer your phone? We've been worried sick about you."

The barrage of questions was too much. I could feel my composure slipping. "I was busy. I had things to take care of," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Busy with what? You know you should let us know where you are. What if something happened to you?" Her voice grew more insistent, her concern turning to frustration.

"I don't need to explain every little thing to you," I snapped, the words coming out harsher than I intended.

My mother's eyes narrowed. "Don't take that tone with me, young lady. You can't just disappear and expect us not to worry. You're being irresponsible."

"Irresponsible?" I echoed, anger flaring. "You have no idea what I'm dealing with. I don't need this from you right now."

"Then tell me, Jin Ah. Tell me what's going on. Or are you hiding something?" Her voice was sharp, the tension in the room palpable.

"I can't!" I shouted, standing up abruptly. "I can't tell you everything. Just trust me for once."

"Trust you? How can I trust you when you're acting like this?" she retorted. "You're making terrible choices, and I don't understand why."

The hurtful words hit their mark, and I lashed out in return. "Maybe if you weren't so controlling, I wouldn't feel the need to hide things from you!"

Silence fell over the room, heavy and suffocating. My mother's face was a mix of shock and hurt, and I instantly regretted my words. But I couldn't take them back.

"Don't you dare talk to me about control when you're the one sneaking around and lying! And all this 'busy' excuse? What are you even doing out there? Wasting your time instead of helping this family?"

Her words cut deep, and I lost control. "Helping this family? Do you think I don't want to help? We're stuck in this poor state because of you! Because you couldn't manage things better. Every day is a struggle, and I'm tired of pretending everything is fine!"

Her face turned pale with anger. "How dare you blame me for our situation! I've done everything I could for you, for this family. But if you're so ashamed of us, maybe you should leave!"

The words hung in the air, and I knew there was no going back. I grabbed my bag and stormed out of the house, not even bothering to eat breakfast. The weight of our exchange bore down on me, but I couldn't stay there any longer. I needed to get away, to clear my head, and to find a way to navigate the chaos that my life had become.

I took my tears back as much as I could, but I knew I couldn't hold them back for much longer. The intensity of the argument with my mother, the events of the previous night, and the overwhelming sense of helplessness were all too much to bear. As I walked briskly, trying to escape my turbulent thoughts, I noticed a park nearby. There, tucked away, was a small public restroom.

Desperate for some privacy, I made my way over and slipped inside the washroom. The door closed behind me with a soft click, providing a temporary barrier between me and the world. I leaned against the sink, gripping the edges tightly, as the floodgates opened.

The tears came in torrents, and I couldn't stop them. Sobs wracked my body as I crumpled to the floor, my back against the cold tile wall. All the pain, frustration, and anger I'd been bottling up poured out of me. The reality of my situation crashed down like a tidal wave, leaving me gasping for breath.

"Why is this happening to me?" I whispered through my tears, the words barely audible. "Why does he have this hold over me? Why am I so powerless?"

My body shook with the force of my sobs, the sound echoing off the tiled walls. The sterile, impersonal surroundings of the washroom seemed to mock my misery, reminding me of how alone I felt in this battle. I hugged my knees to my chest, rocking slightly in a futile attempt to comfort myself.

For what felt like an eternity, I stayed there, letting the tears flow freely. I cried for my lost independence, for the twisted hold Taehyung had over me, and for the strain it put on my family. I cried for the fear of what was to come and the uncertainty of how I would ever break free from this suffocating situation.

Eventually, the sobs subsided, leaving me feeling drained and exhausted. I wiped my tear-streaked face with the back of my hand and forced myself to stand. My legs felt shaky, and my eyes were swollen and red from crying. I splashed some cold water on my face, trying to regain some semblance of composure. The reflection staring back at me in the mirror was one of a girl who was fighting a losing battle, but I couldn't afford to give up. Not yet.

I took a few deep breaths, steeling myself for the day ahead. I couldn't let Taehyung win. I couldn't let him destroy what little resolve I had left.

"Jin Ah," I whispered to my reflection, "you have to be strong. You can't let him control you. You can't let him win."

With one last look in the mirror, I straightened my shoulders and walked out of the washroom. The park outside seemed brighter now, as if the world hadn't just collapsed around me. I had to face whatever came next, one step at a time.

As I entered the office, I tried to mask my emotions with a determined stride and a forced smile. The familiar hustle and bustle of the workplace offered a small sense of normalcy, but my heart was still heavy from the morning's events.

Just as I was settling at my desk, Mr. Park approached me, his expression filled with concern. "Jin Ah, are you okay?" he asked, his eyes searching my face.

I plastered on the most convincing smile I could manage. "I'm okay, Mr. Park. Just a rough morning."

He frowned, clearly not convinced. "It doesn't seem like it. Have you seen your eyes?"

I averted my gaze, instinctively touching the skin around my eyes. I knew they were probably puffy and red despite my best efforts to cover them up with makeup. "I just didn't sleep well," I said, my voice sounding hollow even to my own ears.

Mr. Park sighed, leaning closer. "Look, if you need to talk or if something's going on, you can tell me. You know that, right?"

His sincerity made my chest tighten, and for a moment, I was tempted to spill everything. But I couldn't burden him with my troubles, especially not when they were so deeply entwined with Taehyung. "I appreciate it, Mr. Park. Really. But I'll be fine. Just need to focus on work and keep my mind busy."

He gave me a doubtful look but nodded. "Alright. But if you change your mind, I'm here."

I offered him another weak smile before turning my attention to the stack of files on my desk. The familiar routine of work provided a temporary distraction, but my thoughts kept drifting back to the chaotic mess my life had become. I had to keep going, no matter how hard it got.

For now, all I could do was take things one step at a time and hope that, somehow, I'd find a way out of this nightmare.

Everything was good until I got a message from the same unknown number. My stomach churned as I saw the name: Taehyung.

"How's your hand? Are you okay?" The nerve of him to pretend he cared. My anger flared up, and I typed out a quick response.

"Don't contact me again," I wrote, my fingers trembling with anger. I was about to block the number when another message came through.

"Babe, you can block me a thousand times, and I'll buy a thousand more numbers to contact you."

I stared at the screen, my breath catching in my throat. The possessiveness in his words sent a chill down my spine. The idea of him relentlessly pursuing me, no matter what, filled me with a mix of fear and helpless rage.

For a moment, I considered my options. Blocking him would only be a temporary solution, as he made it painfully clear. Ignoring him might be the only way to regain some semblance of control over my life. But how could I ignore someone so determined to intrude upon me every moment?

My thumb hovered over the block button, but something in his message made me pause. Was there any point in blocking him if he was this obsessed? I had to find another way to deal with him, a way that would truly put an end to his relentless pursuit.

Taking a deep breath, I decided not to block him just yet. Instead, I put my phone down and tried to focus on my work, hoping that immersing myself in my tasks would help me forget about Taehyung, if only for a little while. But his words lingered in my mind, a constant reminder of the dark cloud looming over my life.

I forced myself to concentrate on the mountain of paperwork in front of me, but Taehyung's words kept echoing in my mind, disrupting my thoughts. The office felt unusually quiet, each tick of the clock amplifying my anxiety.

Just as I was beginning to regain some semblance of focus, my phone buzzed again. My heart sank as I glanced at the screen, half-expecting another message from Taehyung. Instead, it was a reminder from Mr. Park about an upcoming meeting.

I took a deep breath, grateful for the distraction. I gathered my notes and made my way to the conference room, determined to push thoughts of Taehyung aside, if only for a little while. As I walked down the hall, I could feel the weight of the past few days pressing down on me, the emotional toll leaving me exhausted.

The meeting was a blur of numbers and strategies, my mind struggling to stay present. Mr. Park's voice droned on, but my thoughts kept drifting back to Taehyung. The memory of his hands on me, the possessive tone of his messages, it all felt like a bad dream I couldn't wake up from.

After the meeting, I returned to my desk, my eyes burning from lack of sleep and the emotional strain. I opened my phone, half-expecting another message from Taehyung, but there was nothing. For now, at least, he seemed to have given me a moment's peace.

I decided to take advantage of the lull to catch up on my work. Hours passed, and I slowly started to feel more in control. But as the end of the workday approached, my phone buzzed again. My heart skipped a beat as I saw Taehyung's name on the screen.

"Miss me yet?" the message read, followed by a winking emoji. The casualness of his words, the audacity of his tone, made my blood boil.

I couldn't take it anymore. I needed to confront him, to find a way to make him understand that I wanted nothing to do with him. But how could I reason with someone so obsessed, so unwilling to let go?

I decided to leave the office a little early, hoping that some fresh air would clear my head. As I stepped outside, I took a deep breath, the cool breeze calming my nerves slightly.

After the confrontation with my mom, I wandered aimlessly for a while, not really knowing where to go. The weight of the morning's events pressed heavily on me, my mind a chaotic swirl of emotions. I couldn't go back home, not after the fight with my mom. I couldn't face Taehyung either, not after everything that had happened.

Standing on a busy street corner, I felt utterly lost. The city's noise and bustle seemed to fade into the background as I grappled with my thoughts. I didn't have an apartment of my own, and I had no close relatives nearby who I could turn to.

Then, suddenly, a name popped into my mind: Minji. Minji was my best friend, someone who had always been there for me, through thick and thin. I pulled out my phone and dialed her number, hoping she was free.

"Jin Ah? What's up?" Minji's voice sounded bright and concerned at the same time.

"Hey, Minji," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. "I really need to talk to you. Can I come over?"

"Of course, Jin Ah," Minji said without hesitation. "You know you're always welcome here."

"Thank you," I said, relief flooding through me. "I'll be there soon."

She gave me her address, and I quickly hailed a cab. As I rode through the city, I tried to calm my racing thoughts. Minji's place would be a safe haven, at least for a little while. I needed to sort through everything that had happened, and maybe, just maybe, find some way to regain control over my life.

When I arrived at Minji's apartment building, she was waiting outside for me. She pulled me into a warm hug the moment she saw me, her embrace soothing my frayed nerves.

"It's so good to see you, Jin Ah," she said, pulling back to look at me. "Come on, let's get inside."

We went up to her apartment, and she led me to the cozy living room. As I sank into the plush couch, the exhaustion of the past few days started to catch up with me. Minji disappeared into the kitchen for a moment and returned with two steaming mugs of tea.

"Here, this should help," she said, handing me one of the mugs. "Now, tell me everything."

I took a sip of the tea, letting the warmth seep through me. Then, slowly, I began to tell her everything about the fight with my mom. I didn't mention Taehyung, not wanting to burden her with more worries.

Minji listened patiently, her expression growing more concerned with each passing moment. When I finished, she reached out and took my hand.

"Jin Ah, I'm so sorry you've been going through all of this," she said softly. "You don't have to face it alone. You can stay here for as long as you need."

Tears welled up in my eyes at her kindness. "Thank you, Minji," I whispered. "I don't know what I would have done without you."

"We'll figure this out together," she said, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. "For now, just rest. You're safe here."

As I leaned back against the couch, a small measure of peace settled over me. For the first time in what felt like forever, I allowed myself to hope. With Minji's help, maybe I could find a way to break free from the turmoil in my life.

As I sat there, trying to gather my thoughts, my phone buzzed with a message from my brother. He was asking how I was doing and why Mom and I had fought. I didn't want to worry him any further, so I replied quickly, assuring him that I was okay and that the fight wasn't worth mentioning.

I didn't want to burden him with the details of our argument, especially not when he had his own responsibilities to worry about. Instead, I focused on reassuring him that I was alright, even if it was far from the truth.

With a heavy sigh, I set my phone aside, hoping that my brother wouldn't press for more information. The last thing I needed was to drag him into the mess that my life had become.
---
Author pov:

In a dimly lit room, Taehyung stood with an air of menace, his gaze fixed upon the individual who had dared to cross him. It was the same man who had callously pushed Jin Ah at Park Corporation, causing her to injure her hand. Taehyung's fury burned like a smoldering flame, his anger simmering just beneath the surface as he confronted the perpetrator.

Surrounded by his loyal associates, Taehyung loomed over the trembling figure before him, his presence commanding obedience. The captive's eyes widened in terror as Taehyung's cold demeanor sent shivers down their spine.

With calculated cruelty, Taehyung subjected the man to relentless interrogation, each question laced with a menacing edge. Bruises marred the man's skin, evidence of the physical and psychological torment he had endured at Taehyung's hands. Despite his attempts to maintain a facade of strength, the man's resolve crumbled under the weight of Taehyung's relentless onslaught. He appeared broken, a mere shell of his former self, as he faced the consequences of his actions.

As the interrogation reached its climax, Taehyung's voice cut through the tension like a knife. "Go and get on your knees," he commanded, his tone icy with authority. "Apologize to Jin Ah for your actions, and remember this lesson well: never dare to touch anything that belongs to me again."

The man, now broken and defeated, obeyed Taehyung's command without hesitation. With trembling limbs, he sank to his knees in a gesture of submission, his gaze downcast in shame.

Watching from the shadows, Taehyung's expression remained inscrutable, his satisfaction at having asserted his dominance palpable. His features were hardened, his eyes gleaming with a predatory glint as he witnessed the man's capitulation. In that moment, he reaffirmed his position as a force to be reckoned with, his power undeniable and his determination unshakeable.

Back at his residence, Taehyung exuded an air of quiet intensity as he navigated through the opulent surroundings of his home. Despite the luxury that surrounded him, there was a palpable tension in the air, a reflection of the inner turmoil that churned within him.

Alone in his private sanctuary, Taehyung's thoughts were consumed by the events that had transpired earlier. The memory of the interrogation lingered in his mind, a testament to his unwavering resolve and the lengths he would go to protect what was his.

After a long, tense day, Taehyung sought solace in the soothing embrace of a hot shower. Stepping into the steaming cascade of water, he felt the tension of the day begin to melt away, replaced by a sense of calm and clarity.

As the warm water cascaded over his sculpted physique, droplets glistened like liquid diamonds against his bronzed skin. Rivulets of water traced sinuous paths down the contours of his toned muscles, accentuating every ripple and ridge with exquisite detail.

Each droplet seemed to caress his skin with gentle reverence, leaving a trail of warmth in its wake. The steamy atmosphere enveloped him like a soft embrace, cocooning him in a world of sensory bliss.

With each passing moment, Taehyung's mind drifted, lost in the hypnotic rhythm of the falling water. The steady thrum of the shower provided a comforting backdrop to his thoughts, a soothing lullaby that lulled him into a state of tranquil introspection.

Amidst the steam and the gentle patter of water, Taehyung found a fleeting sense of peace. It was a moment of respite from the chaos of his daily life, a precious interlude of quietude in which he could simply be.

And so, enveloped in the warmth of the shower, Taehyung lingered, savoring the sensation of water against skin, lost in the blissful serenity of the present moment.

In the quiet solitude of his room, Taehyung's mind wandered back to a particularly absurd adventure he and Jin Ah had once shared. He couldn't help but chuckle at the sheer ridiculousness of their shenanigans.

It had been a warm summer evening when they decided, in their infinite wisdom, to break into the abandoned amusement park on the outskirts of town. The idea had been Jin Ah's, and Taehyung, always up for mischief, had eagerly agreed.

They had climbed over the rusted fence, their hearts pounding with a mix of terror and excitement. The park was eerily quiet, the once-vibrant attractions now overgrown and forgotten.

"Do you think the Ferris wheel still works?" Jin Ah had asked, her eyes wide with a mixture of curiosity and mischief.

Taehyung had laughed. "Only one way to find out."

They had made their way to the Ferris wheel, its metal frame creaking ominously in the breeze. Jin Ah, ever the daredevil, had insisted on climbing into one of the cars. Taehyung had followed, though with considerably less enthusiasm.

The Ferris wheel had groaned and shuddered as they rocked back and forth, their laughter echoing through the empty park.

"Imagine if this thing suddenly started moving," Jin Ah had said, her voice tinged with mock fear.

"I'd probably pee my pants," Taehyung had replied, grinning.

After their Ferris wheel adventure, they had explored the haunted house. Taehyung had taken the lead, puffing out his chest with mock bravery. "Don't worry, Jin Ah. I'll protect you," he had declared.

They hadn't made it five steps into the haunted house before a mechanical ghoul sprang out, shrieking and flailing its arms. Taehyung had let out a high-pitched scream and practically leapt into Jin Ah's arms.

"Who's protecting who now?" Jin Ah had teased, her voice shaking with laughter as she wrapped an arm around his shoulders to steady him.

"Okay, okay, I admit it. You're the brave one," Taehyung had conceded, trying to regain his composure.

Their adventure continued through the haunted house, with Taehyung jumping at every creak and groan while Jin Ah stifled her giggles. By the time they stumbled out into the fresh air, Taehyung's bravado was in shambles, but his spirit was high.

"You looked like a deranged spider monkey in there," Jin Ah had teased, tears of laughter streaming down her face.

"Hey, at least I didn't set off the alarm in the funhouse," Taehyung had retorted, grinning at the memory of them bolting out of the park, the wail of the alarm trailing after them like a scolding parent.

They had ended the night by raiding the old snack bar, finding a stash of expired candy and soda. Sitting on the roof of the snack bar, they had watched the stars and talked about everything and nothing, their bond growing stronger with each shared laugh and whispered secret.

With a wistful sigh, Taehyung let the memory fade, the echo of their laughter still lingering in the back of his mind. Life had moved on, but the bond they shared, forged in the fires of youthful folly and boundless joy, would always remain unbreakable.

The present, however, was much more complicated. Taehyung couldn't deny the depth of his feelings for Jin Ah, but their current situation was far from the carefree days of their past. His obsession with her had driven a wedge between them, one that he wasn't sure how to remove.

A smile tugged at his lips as he sat on the edge of his bed, remembering the look on Jin Ah's face as she'd taken on the haunted house with the fearlessness of a superhero. He'd always admired that about her, even when it left him feeling a little ridiculous.

With a final chuckle, Taehyung decided it was time to get some rest. Tomorrow was another day, and he would need all his wits about him if he was going to win Jin Ah back. For now, though, he would let the happy memories lull him into a peaceful slumber, the sound of their laughter echoing in his mind.
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