A couple of weeks had passed, and now you stood at the threshold of graduation. For years, you had imagined obstacles holding you back—failing grades, unfinished work, or some last-minute hurdle. Yet here you are.

The school had gone all out for the ceremony, organizing a formal event to honor the graduates. Hours of speeches, congratulatory handshakes, and polite applause blurred together until it felt endless. When it was finally over, a collective sigh of relief seemed to ripple through the room. The tension dissipated, but the exhaustion remained, settling heavily on your shoulders.

As you scan the crowd of excited families and proud parents, you spotted her—Mom. She stood off to the side, her smile warm but hesitant, as if uncertain about stepping into the moment. Her muted attire—a simple blouse, long skirt, and scarf wrapped loosely around her face—made her almost unrecognizable at first. It was deliberate, a quiet attempt to blend into the background.

She hadn't joined the sea of families crowding around their graduates. Instead, she lingered like a shadow, keeping her distance. You felt a pang in your chest at her restraint. Aunt Mira had come earlier to act as your guardian for the ceremony, but work had pulled her away shortly after.

It's understandable. What she's doing. She's being careful.

When you finally approach her, she stands beside you, her voice a soft murmur that only you could hear. "A silver car's parked outside. I'll wait for you there, sweetheart."

Without waiting for a response, she disappears like a ghost.

For the next ten minutes, you walk around to kill time. You can't be seen going after her. Not when you know danger lingers at every corner.

When your personal timer's up,  you near the exit only to have a familiar voice stopped you in your tracks.

"Why does it feel like I'm catching you sneaking off to commit a crime?"

You turn to find Jungkook standing there, arms crossed and a single brow raised in playful curiosity.

His teasing grin is disarming, as always, his dark eyes glinting with a mix of amusement and warmth. The sight of him made your chest tighten.

"Congratulations, Kook," you say quickly, forcing a smile to mask the flicker of unease his sudden appearance caused.

His features softens, and his grin gave way to something gentler, more genuine. "Congratulations, Y/n. You made it."

He pats your arm lightly before adding, "We should celebrate. Meet me outside in twenty minutes, yeah?"

Before you could respond, someone calls his name. "Twenty minutes." He says once again before leaving.

Relief courses through you as you exhale, grateful for the reprieve. Without wasting another moment, you slip outside.

The silver car was parked near the curb, discreet yet unmistakable. As you climb inside, the atmosphere shifts instantly. It was quieter here, almost serene. A bouquet of fresh flowers rest on the seat beside you, along with a few small, carefully wrapped gifts.

Mom was sitting next to you, her presence warm but reserved. The distance she'd kept earlier lingered, even now, in the way she held herself. Still, when she turns to you, her eyes shone with pride.

"Congratulations, sweetheart. I'm so proud of you," she said, pulling you into a tight embrace. Her arms were firm but trembling slightly, as if she was afraid to let go. You melt into her, feeling the weight of her love. When she finally pulls back, she reaches out to tuck a stray lock of hair behind your ear.

Then her expression shifts, serious but calm. "I know this is sudden, but we're leaving right now."

You blinks, startled by her words. "Now?"

"Yes." Her tone leaves no room for argument, but it wasn't harsh. "There's no time to explain everything right now. Trust me. It's for your safety."

Her urgency stirs something uneasy in your chest, but the look in her eyes—filled with resolve and just a trace of fear—kept you silent. You nod slowly.

Hours later, you found yourself staring out of the window of a small private jet, the city lights below fading as you ascended into the clouds. The seat next to you was empty, a stark reminder of the life you were leaving behind. Mom sat across the aisle, her gaze fixed on her tablet, but you could tell she was watching you from the corner of her eye.

You lean your head against the cool glass, allowing the weight of reality to sink in. The thought of Jungkook finding out you were gone made your chest tighten painfully. Would he be angry? Hurt? Would he understand? Or would he never forgive you?

You don't know.

Meanwhile, Jungkook sat in his car, parked outside your house. He had been waiting for you to come home after graduation, expecting you to return so he could finally talk to you. But as the hours dragged on, an unsettling feeling began to take root in his chest.

He pulls out his phone and calls you for the third time that evening, only for it to go straight to voicemail again. Something was wrong—he could feel it.

Clenching his jaw, he dials another number. "Iseul," he said as soon as she picked up. "Where is she?"

There's a long pause before she speaks up. "I don't-"

"Don't lie to me," he growls, voice dangerously low. "Did she say anything to you? Did she leave with someone?"

Iseul hesitates, her heart pounding. "She... she didn't say anything, but earlier at graduation, I thought she was acting strange. Like she was distracted."

Jungkook slams his fist against the steering wheel, his breathing heavy. "She's gone," he mutters, his voice barely above a whisper. "She left."

His sister's voice was small. "Maybe she just needs space."

"No." His eyes darkens."She wouldn't leave without telling me. Someone took her, or she's running from something. Either way, I'll find her."

Iseul didn't know what to say. She could hear the raw determination in her brother's voice, and it scared her. Because when Jungkook wanted something, there was nothing in the world that could stop him from getting it.