Jin ah pov:

I sat at my desk in the office, trying to concentrate on the mountain of paperwork before me. But no matter how hard I tried, my thoughts kept drifting back to Niki. Where had Taehyung taken him? Was he okay?

Unable to stand the uncertainty any longer, I grabbed my phone and dialed Niki's number. The phone rang and rang, but he didn't pick up. "Damn it, Niki, answer your phone!" I muttered under my breath, frustration boiling over. A string of curses ran through my mind. "Ugh, why is he such a stubborn little brat? That useless, infuriating donkey!"

My heart pounded in my chest as the call went to voicemail. I slammed the phone down on my desk, clenching my fists. "What the hell is Taehyung doing with him? If he's hurt him, I swear to God..."

I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of worry and anger swirling inside me. I couldn't let this consume me. I had work to do, and I couldn't afford to get distracted. But every time I tried to focus on the documents in front of me, my mind kept wandering back to Niki and Taehyung.

"Get it together, Jin Ah," I scolded myself. "You can't fall apart now." I forced myself to take another deep breath, then picked up my pen and began to work through the papers, one byone.

Hours passed in a blur, the steady rhythm of work helping to dull the edge of my anxiety. But every now and then, my thoughts would drift back to Niki, and I would have to force myself to refocus.

Just as I was starting to make some real progress, my phone buzzed on the desk. My heart leapt into my throat as I saw Niki's name flash on the screen. I grabbed the phone and answered it immediately. "Niki? Where the hell have you been? I've been worried sick!"
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Author pov:

Taehyung glanced at Niki, who sat beside him in the luxurious car, staring out the window with a mixture of curiosity and wariness. The young man was clearly still shaken from the events of the morning, but Taehyung knew he had to play his cards right. Winning Niki's trust was essential if he wanted to smooth the path to marrying Jin Ah.

"Relax, Niki," Taehyung said, his voice calm and controlled. "I'm not here to hurt you. I just want to get to know you better."

Niki shot him a skeptical look. "Yeah, right. What's your angle, Taehyung? Why are you really doing this?"

Taehyung sighed, his patience wearing thin. "Look, I know you don't trust me, and I get it. But I care about Jin Ah, and by extension, I care about you. You're important to her, which means you're important to me."

Niki snorted, crossing his arms over his chest. "Yeah, sure. You care about me. That's why you dragged me out of my house at the crack of dawn."

Taehyung tightened his grip on the steering wheel, forcing himself to remain calm. "I did that because I wanted to spend some time with you, away from all the chaos. I want you to see that I'm not the monster you think I am."

Niki raised an eyebrow. "And how exactly do you plan to do that?"

Taehyung glanced at him, a small smile playing on his lips. "By showing you a good time, of course. We're going to spend the day together, just the two of us. No pressure, no expectations. Just... getting to know each other."

Niki looked unconvinced, but he didn't argue. "Fine. But I'm keeping my guard up."

"Fair enough," Taehyung replied. "I wouldn't expect anything less."

Back at the office, Jin Ah was anxiously waiting for Niki to pick up the phone. Meanwhile, Taehyung and Niki were arriving at a high-end arcade, the bright lights and bustling energy a stark contrast to the tension between them.

Niki looked around, a hint of excitement breaking through his cautious exterior. "An arcade? Seriously?"

Taehyung nodded. "Figured we could start with something fun. You like games, right?"

Niki's eyes sparkled, despite his efforts to remain stoic. "Yeah, I do."

"Then let's see what you've got," Taehyung challenged, a competitive edge in his voice.

The bustling sounds of the arcade filled the air as Taehyung and Niki walked in. Bright lights and flashing screens created an almost surreal atmosphere, promising endless fun. Niki's eyes widened in excitement, his initial wariness melting away.

"Wow, this place is amazing!" Niki exclaimed, looking around in awe.

Taehyung gave a rare, genuine smile. "Glad you like it. Go ahead and pick any game you want to play."

Niki didn't need to be told twice. He sprinted towards a row of racing simulators and hopped into one of the seats, waving for Taehyung to join him. Taehyung, maintaining his calm demeanor, took the seat next to Niki.

As the game started, Niki's competitive spirit kicked in. He leaned forward, gripping the steering wheel tightly, his eyes focused on the screen. Taehyung, on the other hand, remained relaxed, effortlessly maneuvering through the digital race track.

"Come on, Taehyung! You're too slow!" Niki taunted playfully.

Taehyung smirked, his eyes narrowing in determination. "We'll see about that, Niki."

They raced through several rounds, Niki's laughter echoing each time he managed to overtake Taehyung. Despite his initial reservations, Niki was having the time of his life. Taehyung, noticing Niki's genuine joy, felt a strange sense of satisfaction.

After the racing games, they moved on to the basketball hoops. Niki grabbed a ball and started shooting, his competitive edge still sharp. Taehyung watched for a moment before joining in, easily sinking basket after basket.

"Not bad, Taehyung," Niki said, impressed. "Didn't know you had games ."

Taehyung chuckled. "There are many things you don't know about me, Niki."

They continued playing various games, from air hockey to shooting games. Niki's initial apprehension gradually faded, replaced by a budding respect for Taehyung. It was clear that Taehyung was making an effort, and Niki couldn't help but appreciate it, even if he wouldn't admit it out loud.

As they took a break, Taehyung handed Niki a cold drink. "Here, you must be thirsty."

"Thanks," Niki said, taking a sip. He looked at Taehyung, his curiosity getting the better of him. "So, why are you doing all this? I mean, spending time with me and all?"

Taehyung leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "Because I care about your sister. And because I want us to be a family. I know it won't be easy, and I know you don't trust me yet. But I'm willing to put in the effort to earn that trust."

Niki nodded slowly, considering Taehyung's words. "Okay, Taehyung. I appreciate that. But I don't think this means I'm completely on board. You've still got a lot to prove."

"I wouldn't expect anything less," Taehyung replied, a hint of a smile on his lips.

They spent the rest of the afternoon at the arcade, the atmosphere between them gradually warming. As they prepared to leave, Niki turned to Taehyung with a grin. "This was fun. Thanks, Uncle."

Taehyung raised an eyebrow, surprised but pleased by the term of endearment. "You're welcome, Niki. How about we grab some dinner?"

Niki's stomach growled in response, and he laughed. "Sounds good. I'm starving!"

As they headed to a nearby restaurant, Taehyung's phone rang. It was Jin Ah. He answered the call, his tone immediately colder. "Yes?"

"Give the phone to Niki," Jin Ah demanded.

Taehyung handed the phone to Niki, who took it reluctantly. "Hey, sis," he greeted.

"NIKI! Why haven't you been answering your phone?" Jin Ah's voice came through loud and clear, laced with irritation. "Do you have any idea how worried I was?"

Niki winced, holding the phone away from his ear slightly. "Uh, sorry, Jin Ah. I forgot my phone at home."

"Forgot your phone? Seriously?!" Jin Ah's voice was a mix of relief and frustration. "Next time, don't forget it. You had me worried sick."

"Okay, okay, I promise I won't forget it again," Niki replied, trying to calm her down. "I'm with Taehyung, and we're going to grab some dinner."

"Fine. Just... be safe. And tell Taehyung I said thanks," Jin Ah sighed.

"Will do. Talk to you later," Niki said before ending the call. He handed the phone back to Taehyung. "She says thanks."

Taehyung nodded, leading the way to the restaurant. They settled into a booth, and Niki couldn't help but feel a bit more at ease. As they waited for their food, Niki turned to Taehyung with a mischievous grin.

"You know, Taehyung, I get why my sister likes you. You're not as bad as I thought," Niki admitted.

"Noted," Taehyung replied, his expression unreadable.

As they enjoyed their meal, Niki felt a flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, things could work out after all.
---
Jin ah pov:

I left the office, my mind swirling with concerns about Niki. As I stepped outside, the cool evening air greeted me. To my surprise, Taehyung was leaning against his sleek car, waiting for me. His presence was imposing, his eyes never leaving mine as I approached.

"Where's Niki?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady despite the unease creeping up my spine.

"I dropped him home," Taehyung replied calmly, his gaze unwavering. "He's safe."

I sighed in relief, though my suspicion remained. "Thanks," I said, turning to leave.

"I'll take you home," Taehyung offered, opening the car door. "Hop in."

I shook my head. "No, thanks. I can manage."

Before I could take another step, I felt myself lifted off the ground. I gasped in surprise, finding myself in Taehyung's arms, held in a bridal style. His grip was firm yet gentle, his eyes locked onto mine with an intensity that made my heart race.

"Put me down!" I demanded, trying to wriggle free, but his hold didn't falter.

He smirked slightly, his eyes glinting with amusement. "You're always so stubborn, Jin Ah," he said softly, his voice carrying a mix of annoyance and affection. "I told you I'd take care of you."

I glared at him, but the close proximity made it hard to maintain my anger. His gaze softened as he looked at me, a rare vulnerability in his eyes.

"Why do you make things so difficult?" he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

I swallowed hard, my defiance wavering. "Because I don't trust you," I replied honestly.

His expression darkened for a moment before he sighed. "One day, you will," he said, more to himself than to me.

He carried me to the car, gently setting me in the passenger seat and buckling me in. As he got in and started the engine, the tension between us was palpable.

"I know you hate this situation," he began, breaking the silence. "But I want you to know that I'm trying."

I scoffed, looking out the window. "Trying? By controlling everything around me?"

He glanced at me, a hint of frustration in his eyes. "I'm trying to protect you, Jin Ah. You and Niki."

I turned to face him, my anger flaring up. "Protect us? By dictating our lives? That's not protection, Taehyung. That's control."

He clenched the steering wheel, his jaw tightening. "Maybe you're right," he admitted after a moment. "But it's the only way I know how."

I was taken aback by his admission. I had expected him to defend his actions, not concede. "Why?" I asked, my voice is softer now.

He took a deep breath, his gaze fixed on the road ahead. "Because I can't lose you again. I won't."

His words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken emotions. I didn't know how to respond, so I stayed silent, processing what he had just revealed.

As we approached my house, Taehyung pulled over and turned off the engine. He looked at me, his eyes searching for mine for understanding. "I'm trying to make things right, Jin Ah. Give me a chance."

I nodded slowly, unsure of what to say. "Good night, Taehyung," I said finally.

"Good night," he replied softly.

I couldn't shake the feeling that my life was becoming more complicated by the day, and Taehyung was at the center of it all.

As I stepped into the familiar surroundings of our home, a heavy silence hung in the air, punctuated only by the soft rustle of fabric as Niki tried on some new clothes. I watched him in disbelief, his reflection in the mirror a stark reminder of the power Taehyung wielded over him.

But what caught me off guard was his incessant chatter, his voice filled with self-admiration as he admired his reflection.
"How adorable am I? I can't get over this. I'm so attractive, so handsome," he murmured to himself, a smug grin plastered on his face.

"Niki," I began, my voice strained with frustration, "where did you get those clothes?"

Niki turned to face me, a sheepish smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Oh, Taehyung bought them for me," he admitted, his tone tinged with uncertainty.

My frustration bubbled to the surface, boiling over into a torrent of anger. "Did he butter you up?" I demanded, unable to contain the bitterness in my voice.

Niki's gaze faltered, his silence speaking volumes. "Maybe," he finally admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

I clenched my fists in frustration, the weight of my emotions threatening to overwhelm me. "Niki, you can't let him manipulate you like this," I implored, desperation lacing my words.

But Niki remained silent, his expression unreadable as he stared back at me with haunted eyes. It was as if he had resigned himself to Taehyung's influence, unable or unwilling to break free from the chains that bound him.

With a heavy heart, I realized that my words had fallen on deaf ears. Niki was lost to me, ensnared in Taehyung's web of deceit and manipulation. And as I stormed away, my mind swirling with frustration and despair, I knew that the battle for my brother's soul had only just begun.

The tense atmosphere lingered in the air, casting a shadow over our once peaceful home. With a heavy heart and a mind filled with uncertainty, I retreated to the sanctuary of my room, leaving Niki to wrestle with his own demons.

As I closed the door behind me, the weight of the situation bore down on me, threatening to suffocate me in its grasp. In the silence of my room, I grappled with the turmoil raging within me, torn between the desire to protect my brother and the overwhelming sense of powerlessness in the face of Taehyung's influence.

With a heavy sigh, I collapsed onto my bed, exhausting washing over me like a tidal wave. In the darkness of my room, I closed my eyes, seeking solace in the oblivion of sleep, even as the echoes of my brother's silent suffering echoed in the recesses of my mind.

And as the world faded into darkness, I knew that the battle for my family's future had only just begun.
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H

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