Moon Kkum

The garden was peaceful, and the air held a comforting coolness, a gentle reminder that I was safe-at least for now. I let my gaze drift over the neatly trimmed bushes and flower beds, the colors bright and fresh against the earth. This place felt calm, yet every time I closed my eyes, I could still feel the weight of Jungkook's arms around me, like a memory burned into my skin. And then there was Elysia.

She'd been silent for so long-ever since I'd been sent to the Shadow Pack, as though she'd given up speaking to me altogether. I'd grown used to the emptiness, the quiet void she'd left behind. But when Jungkook caught me, steadied me... she'd roared to life, fierce and possessive. She'd purred, growling softly, claiming him as ours. Mine.

I shook my head, confused. It was like her reaction belonged to someone else, not me. I didn't want to think about him like that. I wasn't ready. And yet, a part of me was drawn to him, as if I were bound by something stronger than just circumstance.

"Hey, mind if I join?" A voice pulled me from my thoughts. I looked up to see Jiwon standing there, her face open and a little uncertain.

I nodded, forcing a small smile. "Sure."

She sat down on the grass beside me, crossing her legs in an easy, comfortable way. There was something lighthearted about her energy that I found... soothing. It was strange, being in a pack where people actually felt approachable. Back in the Lunae Pack, people were always so on edge around me, as if I was some reminder of a curse. Here, they just seemed... normal.

Jiwon cleared her throat, her face a bit sheepish. "About earlier... I'm sorry if I embarrassed you with the teasing," she said, fiddling with a loose thread on her sweater. "Honestly, it's just that I rarely get the chance to mess with Jungkook like that. He's so serious all the time, you know?"

I chuckled a little, surprised by her honesty. "It's okay. Really. I can see how someone like him might need a little teasing now and then."

She laughed softly, then tilted her head with a warm smile. "Oh! I almost forgot to introduce myself properly. I'm Jeon Jiwon, by the way. Jungkook's sister."

I blinked, taking that in. His sister. That explained the familiarity between them, the easy teasing she seemed to throw his way. It felt oddly comforting to be in the company of family, even if it wasn't mine.

"I'm Moon Kkum," I replied, and she grinned at my name, as if savoring it for a moment.

We sat together in a comfortable silence, but I could feel her gaze flicking over to me every now and then. After a while, it became hard to ignore. I turned, meeting her curious eyes. "Are you okay?"

Her cheeks flushed a little, and she looked away, obviously embarrassed. "I'm fine... sorry, it's just... your hair."

I blinked, caught off guard. "My hair?"

She nodded, her gaze fascinated as she studied me. "It's mesmerizing. I mean, I don't know if you've heard this before, but it's not black, not even brown or gold. It's like... somewhere in between. And the way it catches the light? It has this glow."

For a moment, I couldn't speak. My hair had always been a source of taunts back in the Lunae Pack-"strange," "odd," even "cursed." People saw it as an omen, something unnatural, a symbol of all the things they believed were wrong with me.

But here was Jiwon, calling it beautiful.

My chest tightened, and I felt a warmth in my cheeks that I hadn't felt in a long time. "Thank you," I managed, my voice soft. I was sure she didn't realize how much her words meant, how they chipped away at the armor I'd spent years building.

She smiled, her gaze warm and genuine. "You're welcome, Kkum. And I mean it. I know what it's like to feel different. But different can be good, you know?"

I nodded slowly, taking that in. Different can be good. I'd never thought of it that way, not until now.

For the first time in a long time, I felt something close to hope. Hope that maybe, in this new place, I could start fresh.

________________________

The soft light of dawn filtered through the kitchen window, casting a gentle glow on everything. I had woken up earlier than usual, a restless energy buzzing beneath my skin. The events of yesterday replayed in my mind-the way Jungkook had caught me, how his arms had felt like a safety net. I couldn't shake the warmth of that moment, the way Elysia had purred with possessiveness. It all felt like a dream, but one that lingered stubbornly.

With a quiet determination, I moved around the kitchen, gathering ingredients for breakfast. I set the bread to toast and cracked eggs into a pan, letting the buttery aroma fill the air. Just as I was about to pour in some milk, the sound of footsteps broke my concentration.

"You're up early," Jungkook said, leaning against the doorframe, his eyes still slightly bleary from sleep. He was dressed in a simple black t-shirt that hugged his frame, hair tousled in a way that somehow made him look both intimidating and inviting.

I nodded, a smile tugging at my lips. "I couldn't sleep much. Thought I'd make some breakfast."

He stepped into the kitchen, the scent of coffee wafting over him. "Need any help?"

I shook my head. "Just coffee, if you want some."

Jungkook gave a quick nod and reached for the coffee maker, pouring himself a cup before turning back to me. "I also wanted to apologize for Jiwon's behavior yesterday. She can be a bit... overwhelming." His tone was sincere, and I appreciated it.

"It's okay," I replied, stirring the eggs. "I get it. It was just a bit surprising."

I hesitated for a moment, but then felt compelled to add, "And thank you... for saving me."

He nodded, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly in what seemed to be a mix of relief and warmth. "Of course."

Just then, Jiwon bounded down the stairs, her energy filling the room. "What's up, guys?" she asked, grinning widely as she flopped onto a chair at the kitchen table.

I glanced over at Jungkook and then turned to Jiwon, feeling a little more at ease. "I was just asking Jungkook about Jimin coming to visit."

Jungkook nodded, his demeanor shifting as he replied, "I'll allow it. Just make sure he understands the pack rules."

"Thanks, jungkook," I said, relief washing over me. I knew Jimin would want to check on me, and the thought of seeing my brother filled me with warmth.

Jungkook excused himself from the kitchen, and Jiwon leaned in closer, a teasing glint in her eyes. "So, what are you making that smells so good?"

"Egg and toast," I said, a bit shyly. "Would you like some?"

"Sure!" she replied, her face lighting up with excitement. "I might as well fuel up for the day, right?"

I chuckled as I plated the food, sliding a piece of toast in front of her. "Here you go. Don't say I never did anything nice for you."

"Thank you!" Jiwon said, digging in with enthusiasm. "So, what's on your agenda today?"

After a bit of banter about breakfast, I began cleaning up when the door opened again, this time revealing Yeonjun, looking more serious than usual.

"Hey, Kkum," he said, a friendly smile gracing his lips. "How are you settling in?"

"Good," I replied, my smile brightening at his presence. "Just trying to get used to everything."

"I'd love to show you around the pack today," he said, but then hesitated. "But I can't right now. Duty calls."

I nodded, understanding. "No problem. Just let me know when you're free."

"Absolutely," Yeonjun replied, his eyes softening as he looked at me. "You'll love the grounds. There's a lot to see."

As he walked away, I felt a flutter of anticipation. I longed to explore this new place, but it would have to wait.

With a sigh, I decided to reach out to Jimin through the mind link. I focused, feeling the familiar connection form. Jimin?

Hey, Kkum! How are you? His voice came through, clear and comforting.

Jungkook said it's okay for you to come visit, I informed him, relief flooding through me at the thought of seeing my brother soon.

Really? That's great! Jimin's excitement was palpable, and I could practically see the grin on his face. I'll be there as soon as I can. Just hold tight!

I will. Just be careful, I replied, my heart swelling at the thought of having him near.

As I ended the link, I leaned against the counter, a smile stretching across my face. Despite the uncertainty that lingered like a shadow over my thoughts, I felt a sense of belonging start to take root in this place. The garden, the kitchen, even the teasing from Jiwon-it all began to weave together, forming a fabric of connection I hadn't known I craved.

And then there was Jungkook, who had saved me and made me feel... safe.

With thoughts of my brother and this new life swirling in my mind, I took a deep breath and prepared for whatever was to come next.

________________________

Author's Note

Thank you for reading this chapter!
If you enjoyed this chapter, don't forget to vote and leave a comment! Your support means the world to me and motivates me to upload the next chapter sooner. Can't wait to hear your thoughts!

- lavendermiso